Rennes vs Brest Betting Preview

Ahead of the weekend, in our Rennes vs Brest betting preview, we have two sides battling for regional supremacy in Brittany. Rennes have been massively below par this season and desperately need a result facing a Breast side who have impressed in the Champions League this season but struggled mightily on the road in Ligue 1. 

Rennes vs Brest Prediction: Home advantage gives Rennes the edge in local derby

France Ligue 1, Saturday, January 18th, 20:00 (UK)

Rennes really need a win. For a team that was fancied to challenge for Champions League positions they are massively underachieving down in 14th position which is far too low for a squad of their ability. Things got even worse for them in midweek when they lost against second division side Troyes in the Coupe de France 0-1. They can devote all of their focus and attention to Ligue 1 matters now and thankfully their home form has remained decent with 5 wins out of 8 here. The big Rennes problem has been on the road so they’ll be thankful to be back at Roazhon Park for this Brittany derby against Brest.

The visitors also have a massive away problem with 7 defeats out of 8 on their travels this season in Ligue 1. They have lost away against teams such as Angers and Montpellier and can’t be trusted in road fixtures. Brest also have a shocking record in matches played before the Champions League this season with 5 out of 6 defeats and one draw. It’s obvious the club and players have recognised this as a one-off chance to make an impression at Europe’s top table. They are effectively ‘all in’ on the cups this season and could be looking ahead to their Shakhtar Donetsk fixture which is very winnable. 

Backing Rennes to win at an odds-on price might look a little foolish on the surface, but this is a great spot to oppose Brest. Despite better overall recent form they are terrible away, possibly distracted and logically face a strong squad who should be doing better. There feels a greater need, drive and motivation for Rennes to take the 3 points and they might be more desperate to fight for this victory. It’s a local derby and they generally have a good record vs Brest so their fans will expect a committed and improved performance. 

• Rennes vs Brest Prediction: Rennes to win (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 1.95
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10 (TRACKED BET)

Rennes vs Brest betting preview odds via bet365 as at 11:00, January 16th, 2025. Odds may now differ.

Rennes vs Brest Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups Prediction: Kalimuendo doubtful for Rennes

In-form striker and Rennes’ top scorer Arnaud Kalimuendo is doubtful with injury but might at least have a place on the bench if he can recover in time. Seko Fofana will probably replace him in the XI and we are likely to see the home side continue in either a 5-4-1 or 3-4-2-1 system which new manager Jorge Sampaoli has been using since taking charge of the club.

Brest do have longer term injuries to the likes of Julien Le Cardinal and Pierre Lees-Melou who might be due to return soon, but are unlikely to be risked. Massadio Haidara came off injured last week so the left back spot is up for grabs and could be filled by Luck Zogbe. With an upcoming Champions League match on the horizon and having just played in the Coupe de France, some general rotation is possible with Romain Del Castillo likely to come back into the side in one of the attacking positions. 

Rennes possible starting lineup:
Samba, Wooh, Ostigard, Hateboer, Truffert, Matusiwa, James, Assignon, Gouiri, Blas, Fofana

Brest possible starting lineup:
Biot, Zogbe, Ndiaye, Chardonnet, Lala, Fernandes, Camara, Magnetti, Doumbia, Ajorque, Del Castillo

Match Stats: Oppose Brest before playing in the Champions League

• Brest have lost 5 out of 6 matches with one draw immediately prior to playing in the Champions League this season
• Brest have one of the worst away records in Ligue 1 with 7 out of 8 defeats on the road
• Rennes have won 5 out of 8 home games and generally remained strong at Roazhon Park. 
• Both teams rank inside the top six for fouls committed per game this season
• Brest have the 3rd worst xGA in Ligue 1 (36.33)

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