OGC Nice – Stade Rennais prediction: lineups, betting tips and odds

Franck Haise aims to propel the Aiglons into the top four with a victory against the Breton team.

In the heart of Nice, where the azure waters of the Côte d'Azur meet the Promenade des Anglais, and where the charm of Old Nice evokes historical stories, the 16th day of Ligue 1 takes us to the Allianz Riviera Stadium. OGC Nice is preparing to face Stade Rennais FC.

Currently, OGC Nice is positioned in 6th place in the Ligue 1 rankings, engaging in a fierce fight to enter the top four. With 24 points collected in 15 matches, their journey demonstrates a mixture of resilience and inconsistency, counting six victories, six draws and three defeats. Their positive goal difference of +9 illustrates the solidity of their defense and attack, even if they sometimes struggled to convert their chances into victories.

For their next match against Rennes, Nice intend to take advantage of their home advantage and secure three crucial points. A victory could push them into the top four, strengthening their European qualification ambitions. With a clear goal of climbing the rankings, the team must deliver a consistent and determined performance to overcome a strong opponent like Rennes.

For its part, Stade Rennais FC is going through a difficult campaign in Ligue 1, finding itself in a delicate position in the standings. With only 17 points in 15 matches, their performance was tarnished by inconsistency and defensive weaknesses, with eight defeats against only five victories. Their vulnerability, particularly in defense, complicates their efforts to find better form in the elite of French Football.

However, despite these difficulties, Rennes approaches the next clash against OGC Nice with new determination. This match represents a great opportunity to relaunch their season and approach stability in the middle of the table.

Kick-Off Time:

Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 1:30 AM IST

Stade : Allianz Riviera, Nice, France

Shape :

OGC Nice (all competitions): VNDVD

Stade Rennais (all competitions): VVDVD

Players to watch:

Gaëtan Laborde (OGC Nice)

30-year-old Frenchman Gaëtan Laborde, originally from Mont-de-Marsan, has charted an impressive career through clubs such as Bordeaux, Brest, Clermont and Rennes before joining OGC Nice. The upcoming match against Rennes will be particularly memorable for Laborde, who will be pitted against his former team, with whom he made 38 appearances and 14 goals.

Since arriving at Nice in 2022, Laborde has established himself as a key player for the team, with 76 appearances and 20 goals to his name. Outside of club football, he has also played a significant role in France's youth teams, showcasing his consistent talent on various stages. His remarkable performances earned him the UNFP Ligue 1 Player of the Month award in November 2021, cementing his reputation as a reliable and dynamic striker. All eyes will therefore be on Laborde to see if he can add a new chapter to his career during this meeting.

Steve Mandanda (Rennes)

Steve Mandanda, the 39-year-old goalkeeper from Kinshasa, perfectly embodies the maxim “age is just a number”. A true pillar of French football, Mandanda first made his name at Olympique de Marseille, where he enjoyed a legendary career with more than 300 appearances. After a temporary departure in 2017, he returned to Marseille to complete his legacy before joining Stade Rennais FC in 2022, where he brought his immense experience to the team with 81 matches under his belt.

On the international stage, Mandanda was a key player for Les Bleus, representing France with distinction for over 14 years. With 35 caps to his name, he provided invaluable support as a veteran, often acting as a mentor and leader within the group. His perpetual excellence, professionalism and commitment continue to defy the constraints of age, demonstrating the timeless quality he displays in goal.

Match Facts:

• Rennes have a 36% win rate against their opponents.
• Rennes have won three of their last five matches.
• Nice have lost two of their last five matches.

Betting Tips and Odds:

• Nice victory: 6/5 at bet365.
• Gaëtan Laborde scores first: 6/1 at vBet.
• OGC Nice 1-0 Stade Rennais FC: 7/1 at William Hill.

Injuries and Team News:

Nice will be deprived of Dante, Melvin Bard and Ali Abdi for this meeting.

For its part, Rennes will have to do without the services of Alidu Seidu.

Head-to-Head Statistics:

Total encounters: 109

Victory for OGC Nice: 44

Rennes victory: 39

Draws: 26

Planned Composition:

Planned formation of OGC Nice (4-1-4-1):

Bulk (GB) ; Louchet, Rosario, Bombito, Clauss ; Boudaoui ; Guessand, Bouanani, Ndombele, Diop; Labour

Planned formation of Rennes (3-5-1-1):

Warrant (GB) ; Hateboer, Ostigard, Truffert ; Assignon, Bias, Matusiwa, James, Nagida ; Gouiri ; Traveler

Match Prediction:

Nice has a great opportunity to come away with three points during this meeting and enter the top four. We anticipate a narrow success for the locals against Rennes.

Prediction: OGC Nice 1-0 Stade Rennais FC

Broadcast Details:

Inde – GXR World

United Kingdom – beIN Sports, Ligue 1 Pass

United States – fubo TV

Nigeria – Canal +2 Sports Africa

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