Verdict: Both teams will score
Best odds: 4/6
Betting house: Olympusbet
Within striking distance of moving to the top of the Ligue 1 table, Strasbourg will travel to Roazhon Park when they take on Rennes on Sunday afternoon.
Rennes
Starting with the hosts, who suffered a late collapse in Toulouse earlier in the week when they finally had to settle for another dramatic 2-2 draw, Rennes have continued to show a number of problems since the new campaign opened. As well as failing to claim a single Ligue 1 win since mid-September, Habib Beye’s side have also picked up just one point in any of their five previous top-flight appearances. Likewise, last seen at Roazhon Park suffering a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Nice, some in the Rennes camp are potentially looking over their shoulders at an impending relegation fight. Having failed to keep a clean sheet in Ligue 1 since the opening weekend and earning a reputation for his prolonged defensive struggles, the former Red Star boss certainly has a lot of pressure on his shoulders.
Rennes team news
After surprisingly losing Sesko Fofana and former Nantes striker Ludovic Blas for Wednesday’s trip to Toulouse, the duo could return here in full. However, having failed to appear since September 28, academy graduate Nordan Mukiele is once again expected to miss out.
Despite having scored just a couple of goals in Ligue 1 since arriving from Monaco during the summer, Swiss international Breed Embolo could lead the line on Sunday afternoon. Former Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Brice Samba will start between the sticks this weekend.
Strasbourg
As for the visitors, while Liam Rosenior may have arrived at the Stade de la Meinau last year, Strasbourg are clearly enjoying life under the former Hull City manager. Last seen earlier in the week immediately returning to winning ways as they cruised to a 3-0 home win against Auxerre, Le Racing have rightly received a host of plaudits from across the continent. With seven points on the scoreboard from their first three Europa Conference League meetings, Sunday’s guests find the atmosphere in their camp red hot. Heading into the October international break with a 5-0 win against Angers, Strasbourg opened this weekend’s games in the Champions League places. Knowing that they can potentially reach the top of the Ligue 1 standings, Rosenior’s team should be excited about a trip to Brittany.
Strasbourg team news
Both are still dealing with their respective muscle injuries, and Strasbourg will once again be without the duo of Saidou Sow and former Sparta Rotterdam youngster Emanuel Emegha this weekend. Likewise, Ismael Doukoure, who received a straight red card against Lyon last weekend, is serving a national suspension.
Enjoying what has become a sensational run of form and already scoring nine goals in his first 10 games in Ligue 1, the red-hot Joaquin Penichelli will spearhead Strasbourg’s attack. Completing an official move from Brighton over the summer, Valentin Barco could once again be deployed in the middle of the park.
Rennes vs Strasbourg Key factors to consider
- Rennes have been forced to settle for a single point in five of their previous six appearances in Ligue 1.
- Likewise, Sunday’s hosts have seen four of those six appearances end in a 2-2 draw.
- Strasbourg have suffered just one defeat in any of their six previous appearances in all competitions.
- Strasbourg’s last six consecutive away games ended with both teams finding the net.
- Argentine striker Joaquín Penichelli has scored nine goals in his first 10 games in Ligue 1 this season.
Conclusion
Knowing that they could reach the top of the Ligue 1 standings on Sunday afternoon, Strasbourg should enjoy a trip to Brittany this weekend. After claiming a routine 3-0 victory against Auxerre earlier in the week, Le Racing has continued to receive a host of plaudits from across the continent. Having suffered just one defeat in any competition in any of their previous six appearances, Strasbourg could be sniffing a potential opportunity here.
Verdict: Both teams will score
Best odds: 4/6
Betting house: Olympusbet
