Monaco vs Rennes Prediction - Ligue 1 Fixtures
The stage is set for an intriguing Ligue 1 clash as fourth-placed Monaco host 14th-placed Rennes at the Stade Louis II on 25 January 2025. With Monaco aiming to strengthen their Champions League hopes and Rennes battling to stay clear of the relegation zone, this match is crucial for both teams. Monaco come into the match as bookmaker favorites, priced at 1.70 for the win, while Rennes trail at 4.61. Despite Monaco’s inconsistent form, having won just one of their last five games (WLLDL), they boast a b home scoring record, netting in 78% of their matches at Stade Louis II. The referee, Jeremy Stinat, will be overseeing the game, ensuring fair play.
Rennes, under Jorge Sampaoli, have displayed fighting spirit but find themselves in a tough spot with no clean sheets in their last five matches. Nevertheless, their top scorer, Arnaud Kalimuendo, poses a significant threat, having found the back of the net eight times this season. Weather conditions are expected to be mild with broken clouds, an 11°C temperature, and moderate winds. Given Monaco’s home advantage and Rennes’ defensive vulnerabilities, a recommended bet is Monaco -1.50 (Asian Handicap) at odds of 2.94, suggesting Monaco is likely to win by at least two goals.
Monaco vs Rennes Prediction & Betting Tip
| Monaco vs. Rennes Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Monaco -1.50 (Asian Handicap) | 2.94 |
- Monaco have scored in 78% of their home matches this season.
- Rennes have conceded an average of 1.4 goals per match in their 18 games so far.
- Monaco are the bookmaker favourites and are playing at home with a b scoring record.
Given Monaco’s offensive strength and Rennes’ defensive vulnerabilities, betting on a comfortable Monaco win by at least two goals looks like a solid choice.
Monaco vs Rennes Odds
| Monaco vs. Rennes Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Monaco | 1.70 |
| Draw | 3.88 |
| Rennes | 4.61 |
Monaco are the clear favourites for this encounter, with odds of 1.70 reflecting their b position and home advantage. A draw stands at 3.88, illustrating a potential but less likely outcome. Rennes, facing an uphill battle, are given 4.61 odds to win.
Given Monaco’s form and home advantage, a win for them seems the most likely scenario. Betting on Monaco to assert their dominance could yield dependable returns.
Monaco Team Analysis
Monaco’s recent form has been a mixed bag, with 1 win, 2 losses, and 2 draws in their last five games. Their most notable result was a 1-0 win against Aston Villa, but they’ve also struggled with a 1-2 defeat to Montpellier and a penalty shoot-out loss to Reims in the French Cup.
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Monaco | Aston Villa | 1-0 (Win) |
| Montpellier | Monaco | 2-1 (Loss) |
| Reims | Monaco | 1-1 (3-1 Loss, pens) |
| Nantes | Monaco | 2-2 (Draw) |
| PSG | Monaco | 1-0 (Loss) |
Despite the inconsistencies, Monaco has managed to score in 83% of their matches this season. However, they have kept only one clean sheet in their last five games. They have averaged 1.20 goals per game recently, showing their capability to find the net but also their vulnerability at the back.
Monaco Key Players
As Monaco prepares to host Rennes, several key players are expected to make significant contributions. Eliesse Ben Seghir, Monaco’s top scorer with 5 goals, will be crucial in breaking down Rennes’ defense. The attacking prowess of Takumi Minamino, alongside Ben Seghir, provides a dynamic threat that can exploit any gaps in the opposition’s backline. Mika Biereth, the newly added Danish striker, will also be one to watch. His recent performances have shown promise, and he’ll likely spearhead Monaco’s attack.
Monaco’s Expected lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Radoslaw Majecki
- Defenders: Vanderson, Thilo Kehrer, Mohammed Salisu, Caio Henrique
- Midfielders: Soungoutou Magassa, Lamine Camara, Maghnes Akliouche, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Takumi Minamino
- Center forward: Mika Biereth
Key battles to watch:
- Ben Seghir vs. Østigard: A duel that could determine the match’s offensive dynamics.
- Minamino vs. Hateboer: This matchup on the wings will impact Monaco’s ability to stretch play and create chances.
Monaco Suspensions & Injuries
Monaco faces some challenges with injuries ahead of their match against Rennes, which could impact their squad depth and tactical flexibility.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Folarin Balogun | Shoulder injury | Mid February 2025 |
| George Ilenikhena | Groin injury | Early February 2025 |
With key players like Folarin Balogun and George Ilenikhena sidelined, Monaco will need to adjust their attacking strategies. Balogun’s absence might significantly impact their goal-scoring capabilities, given his potential as a forward. This situation opens up opportunities for others, like new addition Mika Biereth, to step up and make a mark.
Monaco Tactics and Formation
Monaco Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Mika Biereth
- Attacking Trio: Maghnes Akliouche, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Takumi Minamino
Adi Hütter is expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, which offers a balance between defense and attack. In this setup, Mika Biereth will lead the line as the central forward, while the attacking trio of Akliouche, Ben Seghir, and Minamino will provide creativity and goal-scoring opportunities from the flanks and central attacking positions.
To strengthen the midfield, Soungoutou Magassa and Lamine Camara will hold the defensive midfield roles, allowing the attacking players the freedom to push forward.
A solid defense featuring Vanderson, Thilo Kehrer, Mohammed Salisu, and Caio Henrique will aim to improve the team’s recent defensive performances, especially given their struggle to keep clean sheets.
Rennes Team Analysis
Rennes’ recent form has been quite rocky, with four losses in their last five outings. Their latest performances have shown a struggle in both defense and attack, having conceded 1.4 goals on average this season and failing to keep a clean sheet in their last five matches. Despite this, they have managed to score an average of 1.6 goals per game.
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Rennes | Brest | 1-2 (Loss) |
| Troyes | Rennes | 1-0 (Loss) |
| Rennes | Marseille | 1-2 (Loss) |
| Nice | Rennes | 3-2 (Loss) |
| Bordeaux | Rennes | 1-4 (Win) |
Rennes will need to tighten up their defense and maintain their offensive efforts to turn their fortunes around. However, their inconsistency poses a significant challenge, especially going up against a team like Monaco.
Rennes Key Players
Expected lineup for Rennes:
- Goalkeeper: Brice Samba
- Defenders: Mikayil Faye, Leo Østigard, Christopher Wooh
- Midfielders: Hans Hateboer, Jordan James, Azor Matusiwa, Adrien Truffert
- Forwards: Ludovic Blas, Amine Gouiri, Arnaud Kalimuendo
Rennes’ top scorer, Arnaud Kalimuendo, with 8 goals this season, will be pivotal in their attacking efforts. Kalimuendo’s clash with Monaco’s solid centre-backs will be a key individual battle to watch. Midfielder Ludovic Blas will hope to continue providing creativity in the middle, supported by Hans Hateboer and Adrien Truffert on the flanks. Given their recent form, these players will need to step up against a b Monaco side.
Rennes Suspensions & Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Alidu Seidu | Cruciate ligament injury | Out for season |
| Dogan Alemdar | Cruciate ligament injury | Early March 2025 |
| Jota | Muscle injury | About 1-2 weeks |
| Lorenz Assignon | Yellow cards | 1 match ban |
Rennes will be facing significant challenges due to injuries and suspensions. Alidu Seidu is out for the season, which is a big blow to their defensive stability. Dogan Alemdar, also suffering from a cruciate ligament injury, will be sidelined until early March 2025. Additionally, Jota is expected to return in about 1-2 weeks.
Lorenz Assignon will miss the match against Monaco due to suspension from accumulating yellow cards. His absence will likely force changes in the defensive line, which could impact their cohesion and overall performance.
Rennes Tactics and Formation
Rennes’ Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 5-4-1
- Centre-forward: Arnaud Kalimuendo-Muinga
- Midfield Quartet: Jordan James, Azor Matusiwa, Ludovic Blas, Amine Gouiri
- Defensive Line: Mikayil Faye, Leo Østigard, Christopher Wooh, Hans Hateboer, Adrien Truffert
Rennes are expected to adopt a defensive 5-4-1 formation for their match against a potent Monaco side. Key forward Arnaud Kalimuendo-Muinga will spearhead the attack, relying heavily on support from Ludovic Blas and Amine Gouiri in creative midfield roles. The defense will be vital, especially with significant absences due to injury and suspension. Mikayil Faye, Leo Østigard, and Christopher Wooh form a central defensive trident shielded by wing-backs Hans Hateboer and Adrien Truffert. The midfield pairing of Jordan James and Azor Matusiwa will aim to break up Monaco’s attacks and transition the ball swiftly to the wings and forward.
