Rennes vs Troyes prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2023-05-13 13:00.
Owing to their 2-1 loss away to Nice last round, Rennes headed into this weekend with an almost insurmountable eight-point gap to fourth place and the UEFA Europa League group stage appearance it secures. But thanks to fifth-placed Lille also stumbling just two hours later, a slot in the UEFA Europa Conference League’s playoff round still remains within reach.
Rennes may feel they have an edge on their direct competitors for fifth – Lille and Lyon – with three of their four remaining opponents being entrenched deep in the bottom half of the standings. They hold an unbeaten (W9, D2) Ligue 1 record against clubs currently 14th or lower, such as upcoming opponents Troyes, with some convincing wins including six 2+ goal margins along the way.
Patrick Kisnorbo’s historic tenure as the first Australian manager in any of Europe’s “big five” leagues is one mistake away from ending in relegation disaster and a victory here might not be enough to save their season if Nantes win in Toulouse at the same time. The City Football Group-owned club will almost certainly be back in Ligue 2 as quickly as they were promoted after a 3-1 home loss to PSG extended their winless run to 17 games (D4, L13).
It comes as little surprise that Troyes are yet to record a competitive clean sheet this calendar year in 19 games, suffering the ignominy of ten 2+ goal losses including a Coupe de France elimination at the hands of Lille (2-0). They were enjoying far better times when they last met Rennes, drawing 1-1 in the middle of collecting ten points from five games, but replicating that under current circumstances appears difficult.
Players to watch: JĂ©rĂ©my Doku has proven himself worthy of the regular starts he has been receiving, recording braces in each of Rennes’ last two home wins. Mama BaldĂ© continues to shine in an otherwise forgettable travel itinerary, with his equaliser at Nantes his ninth away goalscoring appearance of this league season – his last ten goals have all now been scored on the road!
Hot stat: Rennes have won 12 of 14 Ligue 1 home games this season when starting as pre-match favourites (L2).