Monaco v Rennes Bet Builder Stats & Predictions
Monaco v Rennes
Kick Off: 20:05, Saturday 31st January
Competition: Ligue 1
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Monaco welcome Rennes, with Sebastien Pocognoli’s side looking to climb back up the Ligue 1 table following an underwhelming domestic campaign so far. Monaco sit 10th in Ligue 1 and are 12 points adrift of a Champions League spot, which would have been their target at the start of the campaign.
Rennes are firmly in the race for Europe in sixth, just five points behind Lyon who currently occupy the final Champions League spot. Rennes have good memories of facing Monaco as well, having run out 4-1 winners when the sides met back in November.
Match Stats: Rennes angles are appealing
Monaco are priced at 1.95 to win here, which doesn’t really seem reflective of the form and confidence that both sides will carry into this encounter. It’s also worth noting that Rennes have had a full week to prepare for this clash, while Monaco had to contest a game in the Champions League during the week, which they drew 0-0 against Juventus.
I think there is good value in taking a Rennes angle here, they’ve avoided defeat in seven of their nine away matches this term, despite conceding 16 goals across these fixtures. Rennes also beat Monaco 4-1 when these sides met earlier in the season.
They were full value for that victory as well, Monaco were reduced to 10 men in the 66th minute, but Rennes already had a two goal lead at that point, and went on to end the game with an xG of 3.69 from 17 shots. Taking Rennes in the double chance market feels like a sensible play at 1.80, with Rennes to score a good option at lower odds.
Predictions –
Rennes or Draw @ 1.80
Rennes to score @ 1.25
Rennes to win @ 3.50
Shot Stats: Esteban Lepaul worth watching
Rennes’ top scorer in Ligue 1 this season is Esteban Lepaul with nine goals. He’s registered 12 goal contributions overall across his 18 starts for Rennes in Ligue 1 this term, making Lepaul the player to watch for the away side here.
Lepaul had three shots and was fouled twice in Rennes’ 4-1 win over Monaco earlier in the season, and is the club’s top scorer in the division. His recent form hasn’t been the best, but like most strikers, he is a player that relies on confidence, so when a goal does come for Lepaul, it is likely to be followed by a scoring streak.
I’d focus on Lepaul for shots in particular here, he’s had 47 shots across his 18 starts for Rennes in Ligue 1 this term – working out to an average of 2.90 per 90. It’s also worth noting that Lepaul has already matched his goal tally from last season, so he has improved with better quality around him, having previously played for Angers.
Predictions –
Esteban Lepaul 2+ shots @ 1.5
Esteban Lepaul 3+ shots @ 2.10
Esteban Lepaul 1+ shots on target @ 1.83
Card Stats: Keep an eye on Monaco frustration
Monaco have underperformed this season and that is usually accompanied by frustration, which is evident when looking at their card numbers. Monaco have picked up 44 yellow cards across their 19 games in Ligue 1 this term (2.31 per game), and are also averaging 13.5 fouls committed per game in Ligue 1 this season.
Monaco committed 13 fouls and picked up two cards in their 4-1 defeat to Rennes earlier in the season, with one of these being a red card. Monaco struggled for discipline again in their most recent Ligue 1 assignment, committing 20 fouls and picking up three yellow cards in their 0-0 draw with Le Havre.
Rennes are at the opposite end of the card count in Ligue 1 having only picked up 32 cautions across their 19 matches in the French top flight, 12 fewer than their opponents here. It is worth noting that these two sides have collected nine red cards combined in Ligue 1 this term, so there is a chance that tempers could flare up.
Predictions –
Monaco 2+ cards @ 1.3
Monaco 3+ cards @ 2.00
Monaco to receive the most cards @ 2.25
By: @AndysBetClubUK
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Neal Simpson / Allstar / Getty Images
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