Nantes vs Rennes Prediction & Betting Tips (20 April)

In very bad shape barely a month ago, FC Nantes seemed to be heading towards relegation after a final defeat against Strasbourg 1-3 at La Beaujoire. Faced with the urgency of the situation, the leaders decided to dismiss Jocelyn Gourvennec and appoint one of his predecessors to the post, Antoine Kombouaré, for a maintenance operation. It had also started well with a great victory obtained by Nice 1-2 but the euphoria quickly faded with a defeat conceded behind closed doors against Lyon 1-3. On the other hand, last Sunday, the Canaries went for a very valuable victory against Le Havre at the very end of the match 0-1. A success which allows them to move up to 14th position, now 5 points ahead of the first relegation team from Lorient, who have a game in hand. On the other side of the meadow, Stade Rennais is in for a grimace.

who may well miss Europe at the end of the season, a first in almost 6 years. After experiencing a state of grace at the start of 2024 following the appointment of Julien Stéphan, the Bretons saw the machine stall and they are now stuck in a negative spiral of 4 defeats in a row in all competitions. Beaten at the end of March against Strasbourg 2-0, the Rouge et Noir then missed the mark by losing in the semi-final of the Coupe de France against PSG 1-0 before suffering two new defeats in the league against Monaco 1-0 and Toulouse 1-2. In the ranking, the residents of Roazhon Park fell to 10th position, only 2 points from 7th place potentially qualifying for Europe.

The long-term injured striker Ganago, the young defender Meupiyou and the excellent Moses Simon (3 goals, 5 assists) will once again forfeit this derby. Replacement goalkeeper Descamps and winter recruit Kadewere are also missing but important defender Cömert will return after being suspended last weekend. At the forefront, Antoine Kombouaré should certainly renew his confidence in the Egyptian striker Mohamed, the young Abline and the playing master Florent Mollet (4 goals, 4 assists). Against Hac, it was the substitute Bamba who scored the only goal of the match in added time. Unsurprisingly, the young Rennes full-back Nagida will not make the short trip to the rival nor will the more experienced Truffert.

New problem for Julien Stéphan who once again lost the young midfielder Enzo Le Fée against Toulouse, he who was just coming back from injury, and whose end of the season is on dotted lines. On the other hand, striker Martin Terrier (6 goals in 2024) will return from suspension. Less in the spotlight lately, the excellent Bourigeaud (7 goals, 2 assists) could still be a starter. Center forward Kalimuendo (6 goals), the talented Ludovic Blas (4 goals) and Désiré Doué (4 goals), scorer of a magnificent goal against Toulouse last week, and the Algerian Gouiri (5 goals) should all appear in Julien Stéphan's group.