Stade Rennes vs AS Monaco Prediction: Monaco will not lose here

An interesting Ligue 1 tie sees Stade Rennes take on AS Monaco on October 5, 2024. This is going to be a contest between two teams with contrasting forms, as Rennes hopes to renew their season, which has started on an uneven note, while Monaco has been flying high near the top of the table. So far, Rennes lies in the 10th position in the league standings, with two wins and one draw yet also sustaining three losses; inconsistency has been at an unendurable level. Meanwhile, Monaco currently stand second in the league, unbeaten with five wins and one draw from their six matches. This will be a good opportunity for both teams to test their strength in the run to finish stronger this season in Ligue 1.

Rennes enter this match following a 3-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, failing to stamp their authority, having had just 38% possession and creating only one big chance. They, however, fought back with five shots on target and showed some resilience in the backline, as evidenced by the 54% defending tackles won, but they have been in poor form, winning only one of their last five matches. That comes with one draw and three losses. Playing at home may give them an edge, but they must rediscover their spark quickly if they are to present a strong challenge to the dominant Monaco side.

Rennes will most probably stick with their familiar 4-3-3 formation, seeking to attack by targeting width and direct play. Recent hitches in sustaining possession may see them adopt a more counter-attacking approach to trigger Monaco, which predictably will dominate the ball. Rennes may count on their solidity in defense, as they won 54% of their tackles against PSG, but they shall have to firm up the backline since they conceded more than one goal in four out of their last five games. On offense, they might explore Monaco's wings to infiltrate Monaco's defense, which may be open behind their fullbacks, with crosses and set pieces.

Rennes' team has been pretty inconsistent lately, winning just one of their last five games. They have

not performed well on offense, and that was notably in the match with PSG, where they managed to create only one big chance. As for defense, Rennes is generally pretty vulnerable, having over 2.5 goals in five of their last six games. They have also conceded first in two of their last three matches - something that could prove problematic against a Monaco side that has opened the scoring in seven of their last nine fixtures. Strong duels and tackle success rate for Rennes suggests they can hold their own in battles, although sustained efforts over 90 minutes may be beyond them.

Monaco enter this tie in great form, unbeaten in nine matches across all competitions. They drew 2-2 away at Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League last week, having 62% possession and fashioning four big chances. Monaco has been one of the high-flying attacking sides this season with a solid backline, a record of five wins and a draw in the Ligue 1. They will look to extend their unbeaten run and keep the pressure on the league leaders.

Monaco's preferred 4-2-3-1, however, does balance their attack and defense. With two holding midfielders protecting the backline, Monaco builds their play from the back, retaining possession and stretching opponents with their creative midfielders. They are also potent on the counter, using quick transitions to exploit opposition gaps. In this game, Monaco's wingers and full-backs could pin Rennes deep, making them defend in a low block. Solidity at the back is underlined by the success rate of 76% in tackles won, while the ability to retain possession is extremely important in nullifying Rennes' counter-attacks.

Monaco comes into this game in great form. The team has not lost in nine matches and has been scoring consistently of late. In addition, there have been over 2.5 goals scored in five straight games. Monaco is able to create multiple big chances in the game while the strong defense should give them clear favoritism for the matchup. Such tactical flexibility allows Monaco to break down defenses through constant possession or hit teams on the break. The 2-2 draw in Zagreb showed their resilience and the fact that they can respond to hard situations-a trait which might prove very critical against Rennes.

Monaco have dominated recent head-to-head matches between these two teams, winning 11 of the last 20 matches between them, including the most recent match in April 2024. This matchup between them has generally seen both sides score, with GG coming off in 8 of the last 10 matches, while corners are, in general, pretty low, with under 10.5 corners coming off in the last five meetings between them. With Monaco's good head-to-head record against Paris Saint-Germain and current form, Monaco will go into this match with the edge.

Monaco have been in a far better form of late than the inconsistent Rennes, both in back and in attack. The home advantage might make Rennes put up some sort of resistance; still, Monaco's unbeaten streak and tactical acumen should see them run out winners in this tie.

Since Rennes opened the scoring in six of their last eight games, both teams are likely to score in this match, given that Monaco does press the self-destruct button rather frequently.

Good form for Monaco suggests they should win in a comfortable fashion; however, Rennes could get one back. Monaco's ability to create chances and the defensive vulnerability of Rennes means that a 3-1 scoreline is a likely possibility.

• Away/Draw + Over 1.5 Goals @ 1.82 Odds
• Away DNB @ 1.82 Odds
• Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.61 Odds