Nice vs Rennes Prediction & Betting Tips (3 January)

The last few weeks have been trying for Nice, undermined by absences. The Gym was notably held in check by the red lantern, Montpellier 2-2 , during the last day but is positioned despite this unsatisfactory result in 6th place in Ligue 1. Before this sharing of points, the Aiglons have heavily fell to Lyon 4-1 but recovered at home against Le Havre 2-1. The last match for Franck Haise's team took place in the Coupe de France on December 21. Opposed to the amateurs of Corte National 3, they qualified for the 16th finals on penalties 1-1, 3-5 tab.

 A record of 3 victories in its last 4 matches in all competitions is a small victory for Stade Rennais, coached for several weeks by Jorge Sampaoli who came to the rescue of a Breton team in crisis. The Rouge et Noir were successful in their last outings, in mid-December at home against Angers 2-0 in Ligue 1, and at Bordeaux 1-4 just before Christmas in the round of 32 of the Coupe de France. The Rennais, who have come dangerously close to the relegation zone in recent weeks, are now 12th in Ligue 1 and ahead of the virtual barrier by 4 units. 

Heavily impacted by injuries before the winter break, the Nice club hopes to find potentially starting defender Abdelmonem. At the same time, he must still take into account the absence of senior defender Dante who could return at the end of the month. The other defensive rock Ndayishimiye, the replacement Mendy in the same position, the long-term absentees Sanson and Moffi, the executive full-back Abdi and the offensive players Cho (2 goals in Ligue 1) and Boga (2 goals in the Europa League but none in the Championship ) should all still remain absent. In addition, young defender Nandjou and starting right piston Clauss must serve a suspension. The returns of the young versatile Louchet and the important Rosario in relation to the 32nd final of the Coupe de France are hoped for by Franck Haise. Among those present, Guessand is the most prominent with 7 goals, including 6 in Ligue 1. However, he has only scored once since the beginning of November. Jorde Sampaoli has far fewer complications to face in setting up his group and his starting XI.

The Argentine technician nevertheless still deplores the defections of replacement goalkeeper Alemdar and defensive captain Seidu. The latter will miss the rest of the season. Striker Gouiri (2 goals in Ligue 1), also a former Nice player, could make his return today after missing the trip to Bordeaux in the Coupe de France. Rennes mainly relies on Kalimuendo and Blas, authors respectively of 7 goals and 4 achievements in the current financial year. The winter transfer window has just opened. Stade Rennais should register the arrival of Seko Fofana (midfielder) before the trip to Nice.