Rennes vs Clermont Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 French Ligue 1
THE FACTS
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When is Rennes vs Clermont on and what time does it start? Rennes vs Clermont will take place on Sunday 18th February, 2024 – 14:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Rennes vs Clermont? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Rennes vs Clermont on in the UK? TNT Sports have the rights to Ligue 1 matches in the UK, so it is worth checking their schedule for Rennes vs Clermont
Where can I stream Rennes vs Clermont in the UK? If Rennes vs Clermont is televised on TNT Sports, then subscribers can stream the match live on discovery+
THE LOWDOWN
RENNES
Following the return of Julian Stephan, who was appointed Stade Rennais boss during the November international break, Rennes have been extremely impressive in Ligue 1 but they were hammered in midweek. Ruben Loftus-Cheek scored a brace before Rafael Leao completed AC Milan’s 3-0 rout of Rennes in the UEFA Europa League knockout playoffs in midweek.
In the league, though, Rennes defeated Le Havre by a goal to nil last weekend with a 60th minute winning goal from Benjamin Bourigeaud. That was their eighth successive victory across all competitions as they propel themselves into the top-half of the table and eye up a top six spot with potential European qualification.
CLERMONT
Under the management of Pascal Gastien, Clermont appear destined for relegation this season as they sit firmly in the bottom two and the automatic relegation places in Ligue 1. They have managed just three victories in their 21 matches so far this season, having scored just 15 goals, too, which is comfortably the fewest in the league.
The visitors do, though, come into this one on the back of quite an impressive 1-1 draw with high flying Stade Brest in their most recent outing, at the weekend. Pierre Lees-Melou had given Brest a 50th minute lead in that game before Grejohn Kyei scored a late equaliser to make it just one defeat in four matches for rock-bottom Clermont.
THE TEAM NEWS
RENNES
Both Enzo Le Fee and Fabian Rieder are missing this one through injury, whilst Bertug Yildirim and key forward Arnaud Kalimuendo are suspended.
PREDICTED XI (4-4-2): Mandanda; G. Doue, Omari, Theate, Truffert; Bourigeaud, Matusiwa, Santamaria, D. Doue; Terrier, Gouiri
UNAVAILABLE: Kalimuendo (Suspended), Yildirim (Suspended), Le Fee (Injured), Rieder (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
CLERMONT
There are a couple of absentees for this weekend as they face Rennes with Cheick Oumar Konate out injured, whilst Elba Rashani is out suspended.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Diaw; Pelmard, Matsima, Caufriez, Neto Borges; Gonalons, Gastien; Boutobba, Cham, Virginius; Nicholson
UNAVAILABLE: Rashani (Suspended)
QUESTIONABLE: Konate (Injured)
THE PREDICTION
Quite frustratingly, Rennes are likely to be heading out of European football in order to focus on ensuring for European football next season; which is the bizarre cycle of some clubs. However, they have been truly brilliant in the league and they are now coming against a Clermont side that do appear destined for Ligue 2 so a heavy and comfortable home win, especially with their home advantage, is the expected outcome of this one.
TIP: RENNES TO WIN -1 HANDICAP
