Monaco vs Stade Rennes: The Hosts will be Сloser to the Leaders

Monaco faces Stade Rennes in the main match of the 19th round of the French Ligue 1, and this is a great chance for the Monegasques to close the gap from the leading group. Will the hosts be able to pick up the important 3 points?

Monaco

The Monegasques are 7th in the Ligue 1 table with Strasbourg. Monaco has picked up two wins in the previous four rounds. In recent times, Niko Kovac's team has had no problems in attack, although their performance has been disappointing at times. That was the case in the last round against PSG. Monaco lost deservedly with a score of 0:2, but they had a chance to change the game. In the 1st minute, Sophia Diop missed the chance, and then the opponents created a number of opportunities within 10 minutes. Closer to the final whistle, the goal post saved Monaco.

Last week, they beat Red Star with a score of 2:0 in the French Cup, and have now reached the 1/16 finals. Wissam Ben Yedder scored both goals. Kevin Volland is back in action after a suspension, but Youssouf Fofana will not play due to disqualification. Cesc Fabregas, Benoit Badiashile, Ruben Aguilar, and Keeping Diatta are still on the sideline.

Stade Rennes

Rennes lost 2 of their last 3 games in the French championship, but still, retain their 3rd place in the table. The Bretons show a brilliant attacking game and are 3rd in terms of xG, behind only Nice and PSG. 12% of all their shots on goal come from outside the goal area, and only Strasbourg has a slightly higher percentage. Gaetan Laborde and Martin Terrier have become one of the most formidable attacking duos in Ligue 1, with 9 and 8 goals respectively. Jeremy Doku, Birger Meling, and Jeremie Gelin are still injured. Romain Salin's participation is also in doubt.

In the French Cup, Bruno Genesio team also made it through to the 1/32 finals, beating Lorient 1:0 at home. Last time, Breton lost at home to Nice 1:2. Rennes were trailing by 2 goals but they could still get back into the game. In the 69th minute, Kamaldeen Sulemana missed a chance to restore the balance.

Expert Betting Tips

Rennes have not played their best in the Cup, and it will be difficult to score against one of the best defending teams on the road. Monaco looks more confident at home, and the statistics confirm that. The Monegasque side enjoyed a well-deserved win in their previous encounter, so they are capable of repeating their success. We suggest betting on the following outcomes:

• Total Under 2.5 for 1.82
• W1 for 2.20
• Monaco Win to Nil for 3.76