Rennes vs Caen Predictions

Rennes really flexed their muscles in midweek as they battered Arsenal 3-1 at an electric Roazhon Park. Benjamin Bourigeaud and Ismaïla Sarr were in tremendous form as they both got on the scoresheet and were terrors for Arsenal to deal with on the wing. Rennes now have to readjust for league competition and focus on rising up the places as they currently sit 10th in Ligue 1. 

Sabri Lamouchi’s horrible start to the season is still having an effect on the club as they sit in average mid-table but since Julien Stéphan joined in December they have only lost three of their last 21 matches under the Frenchman and are sure to battle for a top six place that is only five points out of reach. Alongside the Arsenal victory, they have really shown their quality in a number of results over Betis (3-1), Marseille (1-1) and Lille (2-1) and with them unbeaten in their last 13 home games, the confidence will be flowing ahead of this game. 

Caen, on the other hand, haven’t been as impressive with no wins in their last eleven games against Ligue 1 opposition. Fabien Mercadal’s men have been dropping like a stone and currently boast the third worst offensive record with just 22 goals scored after 27 games. However, their most recent match against PSG was an extremely impressive performance from les Caennaisse as they took the lead on 56 minutes before eventually being punished by a Kylian Mbappé brace (1-2). Caen showed a lot more defensive steel than they have for most of this season as they limited the champions to just a single goal from open play. 

They really need to build on that performance but they just haven’t shown enough quality this season to make us think they can beat a formidable side like Rennes. They have kept just one clean sheet in their last 13 trips to Ligue 1 sides and with Rennes so strong at home, we’re backing this to continue.

Rennes have scored at least two goals in five of their last six home matches and we’re backing home to do so again. Caen just don’t have enough about them to fill you with confidence and as a result we’re backing a 2-1 victory for the home side. Caen have scored in their last three games, including PSG and Lyon, so we’re backing them to score against a Rennes side who have kept just one clean sheet in their last six games.