Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Ligue 1 match.
The Ligue 1 season kicks off in Stade Rennais, where the hosts face last season’s runners-up Olympique de Marseille. For Rennes, this is a chance to prove that last year’s disappointment (12th place) is behind them, while the visitors will be looking to extend their run of five straight wins at the start of the campaign.
Stade Rennais
Rennes have underperformed for the past two seasons, slipping out of the top half of the table and forced to spend heavily and change managers mid-season. Habib Beye’s arrival brought eight wins in 15 matches, steering the club away from relegation trouble. Pre-season has been underwhelming with just one win in six games, but the attack has looked sharp, scoring nine goals. At home, Rennes are traditionally aggressive going forward, and their success in the last two opening rounds gives them a psychological lift.
Olympique de Marseille
Under Roberto De Zerbi, Marseille surged from eighth to second place and booked a return to the Champions League. They were one of Ligue 1’s most prolific sides last term (74 goals in 34 matches) and have added more attacking options over the summer. Last season they beat Rennes twice, including a 4:2 win on the final day. Pre-season results are encouraging, with a 3:1 victory over Aston Villa a clear sign of readiness for the new campaign.
Stade Rennais vs Olympique de Marseille Prediction
Both sides favour an attacking style, and the head-to-head stats point to a trend of high-scoring encounters. Marseille often traded goals with mid-table teams last season, while Rennes almost always create chances at home but are also prone to conceding. Given the visitors’ form and the hosts’ motivation, an open game with opportunities at both ends looks likely.
