PSG vs Rennes Prediction & Betting Tips (25 February)

PSG offered itself a nice breath of fresh air by winning, without really shining, during its 1/8 final first leg of the Champions League against Real Sociedad. Although they knew they were expected, the capital club had difficulty getting their match started but they ended up making the difference in the second half to take a nice lead for the 2-0 return match where they will have to validate their qualification for the quarter-finals. In the championship, the matter seems to be over for Luis Enrique's men who have a very comfortable lead of 13 points over their first pursuer 11 days from the end of the season and, barring a major catastrophe, they should offer themselves a 13th crown champion of France, 3rd in row. Since their draw conceded at home against Brest, the Parisians have quite easily got the machine back on track by winning against Strasbourg 1-2, Lille 3-1 and Nantes 2-0 last week. Opposite, the Stadium Rennais were also still involved in Europe this week but their road had a very good chance of ending on Thursday evening after losing very largely in the first leg against AC Milan 3-0.

The miracle obviously did not take place at Roazhon Park despite a rather successful performance rewarded by a 3-2 victory which did not change the direction of the double confrontation. If its European career was cut short, the Breton club displays excellent dynamics in Ligue 1 where it is piling up successes at the start of 2024. Julien Stéphan's men have in fact accumulated 6 victories in a row in the championship, including the last against in Montpellier 2-1, Le Havre 0-1 and Clermont 3-1. Thanks to this excellent series, the Rouge et Noir moved up to 6th position in the ranking with only 5 points behind the podium.

The replacement goalkeeper Rico (recovering from his serious accident), and the senior defenders Kimpembe and Skriniar must still withdraw this week. On the other hand, the long-term absentee Nuno Mendes is not very far from a return. Affected by an Achilles tendon, captain Marquinhos will be preserved for this match. Otherwise, Luis Enrique can count on most of his usual staff, starting with Kylian Mbappé who is still well ahead of the championship scorers rankings with 21 goals on the clock. The former Monegasque, whose departure at the end of the season is no longer in doubt, could want to take care of his exit. Otherwise, the arrows Dembélé (7 assists) and Barcola could also take place on the wings, thus relegating Randal Kolo Muani (6 goals) to the bench again. Both bothered by muscle injuries, midfielders Le Fée and Rieder will not be able to be part of the group which will travel to the Parc des Princes this Sunday, while winter recruit Matusiwa is suspended.

Otherwise, Julien Stéphan should be able to count on a full group to prepare for this shock. Decisive twice last week against Clermont, striker Martin Terrier returns to an excellent level after his long injury. The former Lyonnais now has 5 goals, all scored in the last 4 days. Author of a hat-trick on Thursday, the excellent Benjamin Bourigeaud (6 goals, 2 assists in L1), and the interesting Gouiri (3 goals in L1) and Kalimuendo (5 goals) the crack Doué (3 pawns) or even the experienced Mandanda will be good in the group. It's more complicated at the moment for summer recruit Ludovic Blas who is in the process of alienating some of his supporters.