Nantes vs Rennes: Betting Odds & Prediction

Rennes host Nantes in Ligue 1 on Saturday afternoon with the away side knowing anything other than a win will end any hopes of securing European football next season.

Kick off is set for 4pm UK time at the Beaujoire Stadium.

Recent Form

Nantes

The hosts will be hoping for three vital points to distance themselves from a potential relegation play-off. Nantes are currently five points ahead of 16th-placed Lorient and come into Saturday's clash following a 1-0 away win against Le Harve. The victory was just their second in their last six though, and they've lost eight consecutive matches at home. In total, they've managed just three home wins all season.

Goalscoring has also proved a problem, with Nantes bagging just 28 across their 29 matches so far. That leaves them with an average of just 0.97 per game, though this increases slightly to 1.07 in home fixtures. Their expected goals (xG) tally stands at 1.4 in home game though, clearly demonstrating their lack of clinical edge in front of goal. 

Nantes have underperformed in defensive quarters too, averaging 1.67 goals conceded in home games and keeping clean sheets in only 20% of these matches. 60% have seen them ship two or more. 

Rennes

Julien Stephan's side will be hoping to keep their faint European hopes alive after entering on a four-match losing streaks in all competitions. They find themselves in tenth place, five points off fifth placed Nice who occupy the final European qualification place. 

Their 41 goals this season leaves them with an average at 1.41, but this drops to a worrying 0.86 on the road where they've scored just 12 league goals in total. This has come despite their xG averaging 1.32 in away fixtures.

Rennes' poor goalscoring record has been somewhat made up for by an impressive record at the back; they've shipped just 16 goals in away matches, compared to 20 at home. Rennes have also kept four clean sheets on the road so far. 

Prediction

Despite Rennes' struggles finding the net on their travels, the away victory remains the sensible pick in this one. Nantes have made habit of conceding goals this season, particularly at home, and have the second-worst home record in the division. 

OddsNow's Pick: Rennes to win (29/20 @ 10Bet)