The Matchday 1 clash in Ligue 1 between Rennes and Marseille will take place on August 15 at Roazhon Park. Rennes vs. Marseille: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Rennes
The Bretons had a disappointing previous French championship, finishing only in 12th place. The last time they were outside the top ten in Ligue 1 was in the 2013/14 season, when they also finished 12th. Overall, in the new millennium, Rennes has finished outside the top ten only five times. Notably, the Bretons were the most uncompromising club last season in the elite French league, drawing only twice (13 wins, 19 losses), with a goal difference of 51:50. It's worth mentioning that Rennes performed much better at home last season, earning 28 of their 41 points there. They were also more reliable defensively at home, conceding 17 goals compared to 33 away. In preparation for the season, the club played six friendly matches, drawing four (1 win, 1 loss).
In the off-season, the team added defender Przemysław Frankowski, as well as defender Quentin Merlin and midfielder Valentin Rongier, both from Marseille. However, they lost key players such as goalkeeper Steve Mandanda, defenders Adrien Truffert, Lorenz Assignon, and midfielder Azor Matusiwa.
- The team's uncompromising streak in the championship stands at 26 matches (11 wins, 15 losses).
- The Bretons have scored in their last six Ligue 1 matches.
- No more than three goals were scored in nine of Rennes' last ten home games in the elite French division.
Predicted lineups for Rennes (5-3-2)
Brice Samba – Jérémy Jacquet, Quentin Merlin, Mikael Faye, Anthony Rouault, Przemysław Frankowski – Jaouen Hadjam, Seko Fofana, Fabian Rieder – Mohamed Meïté, Moussa Al-Tamari.
Marseille
After a disappointing 2023/24 season, finishing only eighth in Ligue 1, Marseille became runners-up in the previous tournament, only behind the unattainable PSG. Interestingly, the club has finished second in three of the last six seasons of the top French championship. Their worst result in this period was the aforementioned eighth place. Marseille was also the second-best away team last season in Ligue 1 and among the top scorers, netting 74 goals. However, their defense was not very reliable, ending the previous championship with a series of ten matches with conceded goals, allowing 18 goals in that span. In the off-season, the team played six friendly matches, remaining unbeaten (3 wins, 3 draws), scoring in each.
Marseille acquired several quality players, including defender Facundo Medina, midfielder Angel Gomes, and forwards Timothy Weah and Igor Paixão, the latter becoming the club's most expensive signing in the current transfer window. The departure of midfielder Luis Henrique to Inter is a significant loss.
- The club is unbeaten in Ligue 1 for five matches (4 wins, 1 draw).
- Both teams scored in Marseille's last five matches in this tournament.
- At least three goals were scored in five of the last six away matches in the championship.
Predicted lineups for Marseille (4-3-3)
Gerónimo Rulli – Amir Murillo, Leonardo Balerdi, Ulisses Garcia, Facundo Medina – Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Adrien Rabiot, Angel Gomes – Mason Greenwood, Amine Gouiri, Jonathan Rowe.
Defender Facundo Medina will not play due to suspension, and forward Igor Paixão is out with an injury.
Referee
Jérémy Pignard (France)
Matches – 18 (Ligue 1, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 79;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.4;
Red cards shown – 4;
Average fouls per match – 21;
Penalties – 22%.
Rennes vs. Marseille: Match Prediction
The upcoming opponents ended last season's Ligue 1 with a head-to-head clash, where Marseille emerged victorious with a 4-2 scoreline. I expect this match to be high-scoring as well. The hosts will likely want to redeem themselves in front of their home fans for the disappointing last season and start the new one successfully. Therefore, I anticipate attacking play from Rennes, who, despite a poor previous championship, performed well offensively, scoring 51 goals.
As for the visitors' scoring ability, it was mentioned earlier that Marseille was the second-highest scoring team last season in Ligue 1, netting 74 times. Moreover, the club has enhanced its attacking potential with several quality off-season transfers. Recent matches in the French championship have been high-scoring: at least three goals were scored in five of Rennes' last six matches and in eight of Marseille's last nine in this tournament. Both teams scored in five of Rennes' last six matches, and both opponents found the net in Marseille's last five Ligue 1 matches.
A similar trend was observed in the clubs' friendly matches in the current off-season. In five of Rennes' last six friendlies and in four of Marseille's last five matches, both teams scored. It's worth noting that defense is not a strong suit for the upcoming opponents. I'm confident this match will be high-scoring, with both the hosts and visitors likely to score. My prediction – Total over 2.5 goals and Both teams to score – yes
