Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 4/6
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Sat within touching distance of climbing to the top of the Ligue 1 table, Strasbourg will travel to Roazhon Park when they meet Rennes on Sunday afternoon.
Rennes
Starting with the hosts, suffering a late collapse away at Toulouse earlier in the week as they eventually had to settle for yet another dramatic 2-2 stalemate, Rennes have continued to show a string of issues since opening up the new campaign. Along with failing to record a single Ligue 1 victory since the middle of September, Habib Beye’s side have also collected just a single point from any of their previous five top-flight appearances. Likewise, last seen at Roazhon Park getting hit with a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Nice, some in Rennes’ camp are potentially looking over their shoulder at a looming relegation scrap. Failing to muster a Ligue 1 clean sheet since the opening weekend and gaining a reputation for their extended defensive struggles, the former Red Star boss certainly has some serious pressure on his shoulders.
Rennes Team News
Shockingly dropping both Sesko Fofana and former Nantes striker Ludovic Blas for Wednesday’s trip to Toulouse, the duo could be handed a full return here. However, not featuring since September 28th, academy graduate Nordan Mukiele is once again expected to miss out.
Despite notching just a pair of Ligue 1 strikes since arriving from Monaco over the summer, Swiss international Breed Embolo could lead the line on Sunday afternoon. One-time Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Brice Samba will start between the sticks this weekend.
Strasbourg
As for the visitors, while Liam Rosenior might have only arrived at the Stade de la Meinau last year, Strasbourg are clearly enjoying life under the former Hull City boss. Last seen earlier in the week making an immediate return to winning ways as they cruised their way to a 3-0 victory ay home against Auxerre, Le Racing have rightfully received a string of plaudits from across the continent. Putting seven points on the board from their opening three Europa Conference League showdowns, Sunday’s guests find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Heading into October’s international break with a 5-0 romp against Angers, Strasbourg open this weekend’s fixtures sat in the Champions League spots. Knowing that they can potentially skyrocket their way to the top of the Ligue 1 standings, Rosenior’s side should be excited by a trip to Brittany.
Strasbourg Team News
Both still dealing with respective muscle injuries, Strasbourg will once again be without the duo of Saidou Sow and former Sparta Rotterdam youngster Emanuel Emegha this weekend. Likewise, shown a straight red card against Lyon last weekend, Ismael Doukoure is serving a domestic suspension.
Enjoying what has become a sensational run of form and already notching nine goals in his first 10 Ligue 1 appearances, the red-hot Joaquin Penichelli will spearhead Strasbourg’s charge. Completing a oermenant switch from Brighton over the summer, Valentin Barco could once again be deployed in the middle of the park.
Rennes vs Strasbourg Key Factors to Consider
- Rennes have been forced to settle for a single point in five of their previous six Ligue 1 appearances.
- Likewise, Sunday’s hosts have seen four of those six appearances finish in a 2-2 draw.
- Strasbourg have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous six appearances across all competitions.
- All of Strasbourg’s last six consecutive away fixtures have finished with both teams finding the net.
- Argentinian striker Joaquin Penichelli has recorded nine goals in his first 10 Ligue 1 appearances this season.
Conclusion
Knowing that they could skyrocket their way to the top of the Ligue 1 table on Sunday afternoon, Strasbourg should be relishing a trip to Brittany this weekend. Landing a routine 3-0 victory against Auxerre earlier in the week, Le Racing have continued to receive a string of plaudits from across the continent. Suffering just a single defeat across any competition from any of their previous six appearances, Strasbourg could be smelling a potential opportunity here.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 4/6
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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