Rennes vs Le Havre Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 French Ligue 1
THE FACTS
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
When is Rennes vs Le Havre on and what time does it start? Rennes vs Le Havre will take place on Saturday 27th August, 2023 – 12:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Rennes vs Le Havre? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Rennes vs Le Havre 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 Le Havre
Where can I stream Rennes vs Le Havre in the UK? If Rennes vs Le Havre is televised on TNT Sports, then subscribers can stream the match live on discovery+
THE LOWDOWN
RENNES
Stade Rennais are expected to be challenging for a top five finish at least this season and may even be considering a tilt at the title if things go extremely well for Bruno Genesio’s Red and Blacks. They have had an ambitious summer transfer window but the final weeks will be pivotal for keeping hold of players, such as Belgium centre-back Arthur Theate, who is reportedly a target for Liverpool and Tottenham; especially with the pending departure of Jeremy Doku to Manchester City.
Rennes began the campaign with a 5-1 demolition of newly-promoted Metz, in which Doku did get on the score sheet. Last weekend, in their most recent outing, they went away to last season’s second-placed side Lens and shared a respectable 1-1 draw in the north of France. They went behind early but equalised in the second-half via a Benjamin Bourigeaud penalty in the 53rd minute.
LE HAVRE
Le Havre gained promotion back to the top-flight of French football for the first time since 2008 last season, winning Ligue 2 ahead of Metz and other promotion contenders, Girondins de Bordeaux. Over the summer, they have maintained the services of manager Luka Elsner and the former Standard Liege boss has been able to bring in some interesting additions from across Europe, such as Loic Nego, Daler Kuzyaev and Kandet Diawara.
The aforementioned Kuzyaev, who joined from Russian Premier League champions Zenit Saint-Petersburg, scored Le Havre’s equalising goal at home to Stade Brest on Sunday but the newly-promoted side fell behind again just a few minutes later and eventually went on to lose that match. That defeat at Stade Oceane followed an encouraging and entertaining 2-2 draw at Montpellier on the opening day.
THE TEAM NEWS
RENNES
Stade Rennais have no injuries or suspensions for this weekend’s clash but they are now without winger Jeremy Doku, who joined Manchester City for £55.4 million on Thursday afternoon.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Mandanda; Assignon, Omari, Theate, Belocian; Bourigeaud, Santamaria, Le Fee; Blas, Kalimuendo, Gouiri
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
LE HAVRE
Much like their hosts, Le Havre are blessed with a fully fit and available squad so are likely to remain unchanged for their trip to Rennes this Sunday lunchtime.
PREDICTED XI (5-2-1-2): Desmas; Nego, Lloris, Salmier, Sangante, Operi; Toure, Ndiaye; Kuzyaev; Alioui, Soumare
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
Bruno Genesio will want his Rennes side to play with style throughout the campaign as they seek European qualification this season. Their squad has remained relatively well intact, despite the loss of Jeremy Doku and reported interest in Arthur Theate. Le Havre have shown a willingness to also attack their opposition, following promotion to Ligue 1 last season. A Rennes victory, especially with their home advantage, remains the most likely outcome but it could be quite an entertaining encounter.
TIP: RENNES TO WIN & OVER 2.5 GOALS
