Rennes vs Clermont Prediction & Betting Tips (18 February)

Considered one of the main disappointments of the first part of the season in Ligue 1, Stade Rennais is reversing the trend. Since the last day played in 2023 against... Clermont precisely 1-3, the Breton club has never stopped winning. Guided by Julien Stéphan, the residents of Roazhon Park have just achieved 4 consecutive league victories in 2024 against Nice 2-0, Lyon 2-3, Montpellier 2-1 and finally Le Havre 0-1 last weekend . Following this excellent series, the Rouge et Noir moved up to 7th position in the rankings, only 4 units behind the top 5 qualifying for Europe. Also note that the Rennais are also involved in the Coupe de France where they outclassed Sochaux 1-6 in the 1/8th final.

However, it was much more complicated in the Europa League, where they were largely beaten by AC Milan on Thursday evening in the first leg play-offs 3-0. On the Clermont side, we do not share the same general euphoria. Far from the European summits, this team must on the contrary fight with all its strength not to be completely dropped into the depths of the ranking. Since their last victory against Nantes 1-2, Pascal Gastien's players were able to take a point against Strasbourg 1-1 before completely sinking towards Lille 4-0. Finally, last week, the Auvergnats managed to hold Stade Brestois in check 1-1. Still last in the standings, they are 3 points behind the first non-relegation team.

The Swiss midfielder Rieder and the excellent starting midfielder Le Fée have yet to give up participating in this meeting. To this we add that Julien Stéphan will have to deal with the suspensions of two of his center forwards, Kalimuendo (5 goals) and Yildrim, who are both suspended for an accumulation of yellow cards. Very fit in recent weeks, Martin Terrier could be returned to the 11th. If he did not score in Le Havre, the former Lyonnais (3 goals) delivered a nice assist for Benjamin's 6th goal of the season Bourigeaud. We also include in this team the very promising Désiré Doué (3 goals). For Clermont, replacement Bela could make his return after being eliminated from the CAN with Angola.

This had in fact been preserved last week. The right side Konaté and the young Mabrouk could still have to withdraw during this winter period. Sent off at the end of the match against Brest, replacement Rashani must serve a suspension. Offensively, the Auvergnats rely most often on Jamaican striker Nicholson who is the top scorer of this team with his 4 goals. Very behind this year, striker Kyei came out of the woods last week to equalize against Brest for what was only his second goal this season.