Rennes vs Nantes
Roazhon Park, Rennes
Friday, 31-01-2020 @10:45pm
Ref: Benoit Millot
Rennes have won 10 of their last 13 matches in all competitions. The hosts for this one have also won seven of their last eight home games with the last three victories all coming to nil. Nantes are tied for the third-least goals scored in Ligue 1 this season. Each of the three clashes between these sides have been decided by a single goal.
Nantes began 2020 in some pretty good form with wins over Saint-Étienne and Aviron in the cup putting smiles on supporters’ faces; but they have since hit a bit of a snag with two disappointing wins setting them back. The Canaries have generally been known for their steadfast defence but that could not have been further from the case as they lost 3-4 to Lyon. Obviously Lyon are a quality side but Christian Gourcuff’s men should still be disappointed nevertheless, especially considering two of les Gones’ goals were scored by a 16-year-old.
Their most recent defeat was a 1-0 loss at home to a Bordeaux side who had been winless in the league since the start of December. Despite the bright start to the year, these defeats have just highlighted a longer stretch of form as Nantes have now won only two of their last six games in all competitions. Nantes are drawn for the third-least goals conceded in Ligue 1 this season and yet they have conceded eight goals in their last six games.
Nantes go into this match with some solid away form that has seen them win each of their last three away days. However, these wins came over two teams vying for survival and a fifth-tier side in the cup. Rennes will be much more difficult opponents here.
The visitors managed to come out victorious in a 5-4 epic on Tuesday as they beat Angers in the cup. They almost threw it all away by surrendering their 3-1 lead with five minutes to go but Julien Stéphan’s men eventually came back to win in extra time and they’ll be hoping they can continue that momentum in this match.
They have been on an incredible run of form over the last few months and their ability to come out victorious on Tuesday only underlines their confidence at the moment. Rennes have won 10 of their last 13 matches in a streak that stretches back to the start of December. They have been absolutely packed for games but have dealt with their busy schedule in such a good manner.
The other upcoming Ligue One games
Saturday, 01-02-2020
-PSG vs Montpellier @7:30pm
-Dijon vs Brest @10pm
-Nimes vs Monaco @10pm
-Angers vs Reims @10pm
-Strasbourg vs Lille @10pm
-Amiens vs Toulouse @10pm
Sunday, 02-02-2020
-Nice vs Lyon @5pm
-Metz vs Saint Etienne @7pm
-Bordeaux vs Marseille @11pm
