Nantes are buzzing after their French Cup win; they beat Nice 1-0 and will be expected to switch gears to Ligue 1 duty, where they are set to host Rennes. Nantes are ninth in the league standings, with 51 points, while Rennes are fourth on 62 points. Coming into this game, Nantes are assured of playing in the Europa League by virtue of winning the French Cup. With their goal difference, it was going to be tough through the league route. Basically now, they can only play for a place in the top half. That will take some effort though, as they have just one win in five league games. Nantes have no clean sheet in the last five league matches; both sides have scored in the five games. Each of their last three league games has produced over 2.5 goals.
For Rennes, this match has a lot of importance attached; they are hoping to rise to the Champions League slots and that is what will push them here. Rennes have a much better run compared to Nantes. They are coming from two straight wins and clean sheets and they have registered three wins in their last five matches. Rennes have scored in all of their last five matches, in four of them, two or more goals. Four of their last five matches have produced over 2.5 goals and both teams have scored in three of those five matches. Rennes have no clean sheet in the last five away matches; in four of those five matches, they’ve conceded twice, with both teams scoring in the last four.
Nantes are coming from a key win, which also guarantees them qualification for the Europa League and they will feel they don’t have much to play for in the season remainder. On the other hand, Rennes still have a lot to play for. Their target is getting a Champions League slot and in their scoring form, we feel they will win here.