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 position. The last time the club finished outside the top ten in Ligue 1 was in the 2013/14 season, when they also ended up in 12th place. Overall, in this millennium, Rennes has finished outside the top ten in the championship only five times. Notably, the Bretons became the most uncompromising club of last season's elite French league, drawing only twice (13 wins, 19 losses), with a goal difference of 51:50. It is worth mentioning that Rennes performed much better at home in the last championship, earning 28 of their 41 points there. Their defense was also more reliable at home, conceding 17 goals compared to 33 away. Ahead of the season, the club played six friendly matches, drawing four of them (1 win, 1 loss).
During the offseason, the team added defender Przemysław Frankowski, as well as defender Quentin Merlin and midfielder Valentin Rongier, who came from Marseille. However, they also faced losses: main goalkeeper Steve Mandanda, defenders Adrien Truffert, Lorenz Assignon, and midfielder Azor Matusiva left the club.
- The team's uncompromising streak in the championship stands at 26 matches (11 wins, 15 losses).
- The Bretons have scored in six consecutive Ligue 1 matches.
- No more than three goals have been scored in nine of Rennes's last ten home matches in the elite French division.
Predicted lineup for Rennes (5-3-2)
Brice Samba – Jérémy Jacquet, Quentin Merlin, Mikael Faye, Anthony Rouault, Przemysław Frankowski – Jaouen Cissé, Seko Fofana, Fabian Rieder – Mohamed Meite, Moussa Al-Tamari.
The main loss for the hosts will be the absence of last season's top scorer Arnaud Kalimuendo, who is close to joining Nottingham Forest. Defender Lilian Brassier is out due to injury, while goalkeeper Gauthier Gallon and midfielder Glen Kamara are not included in the match squad.
Marseille
After a disappointing 2023/24 season, when they finished only eighth in Ligue 1, Marseille became runners-up in the previous tournament, second only to the unattainable PSG. Interestingly, the club has finished in second place in three of the last six seasons of the top French championship. Their worst result in this period was the aforementioned eighth position. Marseille also ranked second among the best away teams of last season's Ligue 1 and among the most prolific, scoring 74 goals. However, their defense was not the most reliable, ending the previous championship with a series of ten matches with conceded goals, retrieving the ball from their net 18 times during this stretch. In the offseason, the team played six friendly matches, remaining unbeaten (3 wins, 3 draws), scoring in each one.
Marseille acquired several quality players, including defender Facundo Medina, midfielder Angel Gomes, and forwards Timothy Weah and Igor Paixão, the latter being the club's most expensive acquisition in the current transfer window. Notable departures include midfielder Luis Henrique, who joined Inter.
- The club is unbeaten in Ligue 1 for five matches (4 wins, 1 draw).
- Both teams have scored in Marseille's last five matches in this tournament.
- At least three goals have been scored in five of the team's last six away matches in the championship.
Predicted lineup 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, while forwards Igor Paixão and defender Pol Lirola are out due to injuries. Forward Neal Maupay is not included in the match squad.
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%.
Match Prediction for Rennes vs. Marseille
The upcoming opponents concluded last season's Ligue 1 with a head-to-head clash, in which 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 last season's failure and start the new one successfully. Therefore, I anticipate attacking activity from Rennes, who, despite their disappointing previous championship, performed well offensively, scoring 51 goals.
As for the guests' scoring ability, it was mentioned above that Marseille was the second-highest scoring team of last season's Ligue 1, netting 74 times. Moreover, the club has strengthened its attacking potential with several quality transfers during the offseason. Recent matches in the French championship have also been high-scoring: at least three goals have been scored in five of Rennes's last six matches and in eight of Marseille's last nine matches in this tournament. Both teams have scored in these five games for Rennes, and both opponents scored in Marseille's last five Ligue 1 matches.
A similar trend was observed in the clubs' friendly matches during the current offseason. In five of Rennes's last six friendlies and in four of Marseille's last five matches, both teams found the net. Notably, defense is not a strong suit for the upcoming opponents. I am confident the match will be high-scoring, with both hosts and guests managing to score. My prediction – Over 2.5 goals and Both Teams to Score – Yes
