The match-up between Saint-Etienne and Rennes on February 8, 2025, in Ligue 1 is shaping up to be a captivating contest. Hosted at Stade Geoffroy Guichard, the match will kick off at 21:05. Both teams, currently mid-table, are eager to climb higher. Saint-Etienne sits in 16th place with 18 points, and Rennes is just ahead in 15th with 20 points. Newly promoted from Ligue 2, Saint-Etienne wants to secure its place among the elite, with key figures like Zuriko Davitashvili leading their attack with seven goals. Rennes, finishing 10th last season, has strengthened its squad with key signings, notably Arnaud Kalimuendo-Muinga, who has eight goals to his name. As both teams have managed only one victory in their last five matches, and with rain and snow anticipated, the weather could heavily influence the match. These conditions will test both teams’ resilience and strategy.
Saint-Etienne vs Rennes Prediction & Betting Tip
The clash between Saint-Etienne and Rennes is not just a game, but a test of strategies impacted by weather and current form. With the home ground advantage, Saint-Etienne seems to have a slight edge over Rennes, who have struggled in away games. Our betting tip recommends opting for Saint-Etienne to win (Draw No Bet). The odds reflect this delicate balance and the home team’s slight advantage.
| Saint-Etienne vs Rennes Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Saint-Etienne to win (Draw No Bet) | 2.55 |
The bet banks on Saint-Etienne’s ability to utilize their home ground advantage and exploit Rennes’ inconsistency when playing away. Opting for a Draw No Bet cushions against the unpredictability of the match, especially under expected harsh weather conditions.
Saint-Etienne vs Rennes Odds
Saint-Etienne’s odds show a small advantage, suggesting they might thrive on home conditions and strategic planning. On the other hand, Rennes face a tough challenge, influenced by unfavorable weather and pitch conditions. The odds suggest that guarded outcomes, such as “Draw No Bet,” could be valuable due to the uncertainties surrounding the match.
| Saint-Etienne vs Rennes Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Saint-Etienne Win | 2.35 |
| Draw | 3.30 |
| Rennes Win | 3.00 |
The odds point to a close contest, highlighting the competitive strategies and possible tactical shifts that could unfold.
Saint-Etienne Team Analysis
Saint-Etienne Recent Performance
Saint-Etienne’s journey into Ligue 1 from Ligue 2 has been a mixture of highs and lows. Their season has seen significant ups and downs. Recent matches include a big loss to Lille and tight draws against Auxerre and Nantes. Yet, a spirited win against Reims gave them hope. Defensive issues are a concern as they’ve let in nine goals in their last five games. Despite this, their fighting spirit versus top teams like PSG shows they can challenge stronger opponents.
| Recent Matches | Result |
|---|---|
| Saint-Etienne vs Lille | 0-3 (Loss) |
| Auxerre vs Saint-Etienne | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Saint-Etienne vs Nantes | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Saint-Etienne vs Reims | 2-1 (Win) |
| PSG vs Saint-Etienne | 3-2 (Loss) |
Their ability to move through different performance phases emphasizes agility and fighting spirit, key in their future games.
Saint-Etienne Key Players
Saint-Etienne’s attack is led by Zuriko Davitashvili, who has scored seven goals, pushing their offensive force. Lucas Stassin is a key figure in central attack, orchestrating scoring chances. Pierre Ekwah is vital in midfield, handling transitions well. Goalkeeper Gautier Larsonneur might play a crucial role if he maintains form. Defensively, Mickael Nade brings stability, working alongside Yunis Abdelhamid. Coach Eirik Horneland focuses on using Bouchouari’s creativity to lift team dynamics, providing tactical versatility. The versatile Irvin Cardona also strengthens their forward options, possibly affecting the match through strategic innovations.
Saint-Etienne Suspensions & Injuries
Saint-Etienne faces squad challenges due to injuries and suspensions. Benjamin Olde’s injury limits midfield options, and the absence of Ibrahima Wadji and Thomas Monconduit further stretches the team’s depth. Dylan Batubinsika’s suspension after a red card adds to the defensive woes.
| Player | Issue | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Benjamin Olde | Injured | Affects midfield depth |
| Ibrahima Wadji | Injured | Impacts squad depth |
| Thomas Monconduit | Injured | Midfield rotational pressure |
| Dylan Batubinsika | Suspended | Defensive reshuffle requirement |
The team’s adaptability and mental strength in overcoming these hurdles could heavily impact their upcoming games. Team morale and coherence under pressure will also play critical roles in shaping their competitive journey as the season progresses.
Saint-Etienne Tactics and Formation
Eirik Horneland emphasizes attacking play, often using a 4-3-3 formation to enable quick transitions. Gautier Larsonneur is trusted as a key shot-stopper. The strategy includes using wing play, mainly through Davitashvili to unsettle defenses. Set-piece precision becomes crucial, especially with the expected tough weather, demanding careful execution on slippery turf. The absence of Batubinsika means defensive flexibility is needed, focusing on counter-strategies. Overall, the tactical plan aims to balance agility with defensive solidity, addressing challenges head-on.
Rennes Team Analysis
Rennes Recent Performance
Rennes, driven by ambition, has faced inconsistent results, especially against teams like Monaco and Marseille. A win over Strasbourg offers a glimpse of success amidst setbacks. Lapses in cohesion and defense remain problematic. Clean sheets are rare, highlighting the need for tactical improvements and strategic cohesion. Moving forward, Rennes hopes to use upcoming matches to regain momentum, focusing on alignment and execution.
| Recent Matches | Result |
|---|---|
| Rennes vs Monaco | 0-2 (Loss) |
| Rennes vs Strasbourg | 2-0 (Win) |
| Marseille vs Rennes | 3-1 (Loss) |
| Rennes vs Nice | 1-3 (Loss) |
| Rennes vs Metz | 1-1 (Draw) |
Rennes must focus on crucial fixtures to secure points and rejuvenate their season path.
Rennes Key Players
Rennes features star performer Arnaud Kalimuendo, with eight goals shaping their attack. Kyogo Furuhashi adds creativity in midfield, orchestrating forward plays. Mikayil Faye is critical in defense amid changing strategies, while Ludovic Blas shines as an attacking playmaker. Adrien Truffert’s overlaps add depth on the left, and Brice Samba strengthens the goal with solid command. Cisse plays a vital role in midfield harmony, crucial during critical game-turning moments.
Rennes Suspensions & Injuries
Fitness issues pose a challenge for Rennes’ lineup, impacting match strategies at a crucial season stage. Monitoring Seidu, Alemdar, and Fofana’s status is vital for potential returns, and Hans Hateboer’s suspension forces changes in defense.
| Player | Issue | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Seidu | Injury | Awaiting return verification |
| Alemdar | Injury | Return period assessment ongoing |
| Fofana | Injury | Fitness status under observation |
| Hans Hateboer | Suspended | Defensive formation adaptations |
The recent addition of Rouault aims to fill defensive gaps, seeking progressive integration to counter these shortcomings. Balancing recovered players with sustained fitness checks is crucial, focusing on adaptability and coherence under current strains and challenges.
Rennes Tactics and Formation
Manager Beye centers on robust defensive setups and resilient gameplay. Rennes often deploys a 3-4-2-1 formation, emphasizing defensive strength and quick midfield support. Central to their strategy is Furuhashi, facilitating offense. Defensive investments aim for immediate improvements, providing flexibility for Blas to maintain attacking flow. Weather conditions add complexity, requiring readiness for set-piece chances and seamless defensive adjustments. The scheduling demands depth utilization while navigating form challenges and fixture density.
Saint-Etienne vs Rennes Head-to-Head Statistics
Past fixtures between Saint-Etienne and Rennes show varied outcomes, yet Rennes has had the upper hand recently, notably with a 5-0 win in their last meeting. Despite previous outcomes, Saint-Etienne is eager to reverse this trend, aiming to close the goal gap seen in earlier games. The history between the teams influences tactical preparations and competitive vigor.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Rennes | Saint-Etienne | 5-0 (Win for Rennes) |
| Saint-Etienne | Rennes | 0-2 (Loss) |
| Rennes | Saint-Etienne | 3-1 (Win for Rennes) |
| Saint-Etienne | Rennes | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Rennes | Saint-Etienne | 1-0 (Win for Rennes) |
The current scenario suggests that Saint-Etienne is eager to use tactical changes to realize their offensive potential while countering Rennes’ historical dominance. The merging of past experiences and present dynamics enriches the anticipation for this clash.
Venue and Weather
Saint-Etienne will host Rennes at the storied Stade Geoffroy Guichard, known for its passionate football environment and the power it brings to the home team, with a capacity of 42,000. However, the anticipated rain and snow may bring complexity to gameplay. With temperatures around 1.54°C, the weather might impact stamina, influencing performance and strategy adjustments. Stability on the ground is key, promoting safe passes over risky aerial maneuvers. Moderate wind could slightly alter ball trajectories, affecting both teams’ playing styles. Adjusting strategies to tackle these natural conditions will be crucial, promoting coordinated gameplay while finding opportunities through set plays.
This fixture represents far more than a mere team rivalry. It encapsulates strategies, resilience, and adaptability, all converging to craft the unique Saint-Etienne vs Rennes narrative.
