Nice vs Rennes Predictions

Nice vs Rennes predictions for this Ligue 1 fixture. Nice and Rennes are set for their third consecutive New Year’s Ligue 1 clash, with Friday’s encounter at the Allianz Riviera promising an intriguing battle between two competitive sides aiming to start 2024 strongly. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

Ligue 1 | Jan 3, 2025 at 8pm UK at Allianz Riviera

Nice vs Rennes Predictions

Can Nice Continue Their Impressive Home Run Against Rennes?

• Fortress Allianz Riviera: Nice are unbeaten at home in Ligue 1 this season, demonstrating resilience with seven undefeated league matches.
• Kalimuendo’s Key Role: Arnaud Kalimuendo has scored six Ligue 1 goals this term, making him a pivotal attacking threat for Rennes.
• Nice’s Scoring Streak: Les Aiglons have netted in their last nine Ligue 1 matches, their best run since April 2021.

Our Tips

The Allianz Riviera is set for an electrifying start to 2025 as Nice host Rennes in their opening Ligue 1 clash of the New Year. This fixture marks the third consecutive season where these two sides meet at the dawn of January, but this time the setting shifts to the sunny shores of the Côte d’Azur.

Nice enter the match with a growing reputation as a fortress at home, remaining unbeaten in Ligue 1 on their turf this season. The team, led by Franck Haise, have not only been resilient defensively but have also maintained a consistent scoring streak, netting in their last nine league matches. Their sixth-place standing reflects a side with aspirations for European competition, though their recent draw with Montpellier revealed cracks that Rennes may aim to exploit.

Rennes, by contrast, have endured a turbulent campaign. Despite glimpses of resurgence under Jorge Sampaoli, their away form has been dire, with only one point collected on the road. Their travels have been a mix of poor defence and misfiring attack, and Friday’s challenge against an organised Nice team could stretch their limits.

Best Bet: Nice to Win and Both Teams to Score

For punters, backing Nice to win while both teams find the net stands as the top recommendation. Several factors underpin this prediction, making it a compelling wager.

Nice’s home record is undeniably strong, with the Allianz Riviera proving impenetrable for visiting teams. They’ve not only avoided defeat but have displayed attacking verve, averaging two goals per game in their last four home league fixtures. However, Nice’s style—often adventurous in attack—leaves spaces at the back, evidenced by their concession of goals in critical moments, as seen against Montpellier.

Rennes, despite their struggles, bring attacking firepower in Arnaud Kalimuendo. The striker, with six goals this season, represents a threat that Nice will need to carefully manage. Rennes have also demonstrated a knack for scoring in key moments, as shown in their recent Coupe de France comeback.

Yet, Rennes’ defensive fragility on the road—having conceded in every away fixture—suggests Nice will have ample opportunities to capitalise. The combination of Nice’s attacking quality, bolstered by players like Gaetan Laborde and Evann Guessand, and Rennes’ capacity for occasional brilliance in attack creates the perfect scenario for a high-scoring encounter.

“Nice have shown time and again their ability to deliver at home, while Rennes carry enough attacking threat to trouble any defence,” remarks Emmanuel Nwankwo from BettingTips4You.com. “A win for Nice with both teams scoring is the smart pick here, given the patterns we’ve seen from both sides this season.”

Correct Score Prediction: Nice 2-1 Rennes

The prediction of a 2-1 scoreline aligns seamlessly with the dynamics of this encounter. Nice’s consistent ability to score twice at home in recent fixtures suggests they’ll likely breach Rennes’ leaky backline more than once. Additionally, the attacking presence of Laborde and Guessand offers Haise’s side a reliable edge.

Rennes, while out of form on their travels, are unlikely to go down without a fight. Kalimuendo’s sharpness and the tactical tweaks under Sampaoli give the visitors a chance to find the net. However, their defensive woes and Nice’s overall superiority at home make it hard to envisage Rennes claiming anything more than a consolation goal.

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