Saint-Etienne and Stade Rennais meet for the 116th time across all competitions in what promises to be a crucial encounter at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, with both sides battling to escape the lower end of the table.
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Saint-Etienne vs Rennes predictions: Rennes to edge through
Key stats
- Saint-Etienne are winless in four straight Ligue 1 games.
- Eirik Horneland’s side possess the second-worst defensive record this campaign.
- Rennes recently edged out Strasbourg to end a five-game losing streak.
- Habib Beye is eyeing consecutive wins for Les Rennais for the first time since early last year.
Correct score prediction: Saint-Etienne 1-2 Rennes
Saint-Etienne’s defensive struggles persist, with 43 goals conceded in 20 matches – their worst record at this stage of a top-flight season since 1952/53.
Meanwhile, Rennes are expected to build on their late win over Strasbourg at Roazhon Park, especially given their strong away record against Les Verts, having avoided a league defeat at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in eight visits since 2012.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Bookies favour Rennes
- HOME: 11/5 (3.20) – 31.2%
- DRAW: 5/2 (3.50) – 28.5%
- AWAY: 23/20 (2.15) – 46.5%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Locked at the bottom of the Ligue 1 table, Saint-Etienne and Rennes are set for a tense showdown, with the hosts enduring a four-game winless streak. After a crushing 4-1 defeat to Lille, Horneland’s side faces an uphill battle despite home advantage.
Like the bookies, we expect Rennes to edge this contest with odds of 23/20 (2.15), giving them nearly a 50% probability of returning up north with a victory.
You can find all our prediction for today’s games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Another Rennes whitewash in the picture?
Rennes have been ruthless in their last three league encounters against Saint-Etienne, hitting them for 12 goals while conceding none in the process. Meanwhile, Saint-Etienne haven’t tasted victory against Rennes in four years.
France Ligue 1 30/11/24
Rennes
St Etienne
France Ligue 1 30/04/22
Rennes
St Etienne
France Ligue 1 05/12/21
St Etienne
Rennes
France Ligue 1 14/02/21
Rennes
St Etienne
France Ligue 1 26/09/20
St Etienne
Rennes
Saint-Etienne preview: Time to capitalise on home advantage
Saint-Etienne have relied heavily on home form this season, collecting 16 of their 18 points this campaign at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard. However, they will have to do without the likes of Ibrahima Wadji, Benjamin Old and Aimen Moueffek.
Predicted lineup: Larsonneur (GK), Appiah, Abdelhamid, Nade, Petrot, Bouchouari, Ekwah, Mouton, Davitashvili, Stassin & Cardona
France Ligue 1 10/05/25
W
Reims
0
St Etienne
2
France Ligue 1 03/05/25
L
Monaco
3
St Etienne
1
France Ligue 1 26/04/25
L
Strasbourg
3
St Etienne
1
France Ligue 1 20/04/25
W
Lyon
1
St Etienne
2
France Ligue 1 13/04/25
D
Brest
3
St Etienne
3
Rennes preview: Away form is key
With just one point to show from their nine away games this season, Rennes have the opportunity to break their dismal run on the road. Dogan Alemdar, Seko Fofana, Alidu Seidu, are all expected to miss the game for Les Rennais, adding to their concerns.
Predicted lineup: Samba (GK), Faye, Wooh, Brassier, Truffert, Cisse, James, Assignon, Blas, Furuhash & Kalimuendo
France Ligue 1 10/05/25
W
Nice
0
Rennes
2
France Ligue 1 03/05/25
L
Toulouse
2
Rennes
1
France Ligue 1 26/04/25
L
Lyon
4
Rennes
1
France Ligue 1 18/04/25
W
Nantes
1
Rennes
2
France Ligue 1 13/04/25
W
Le Havre
1
Rennes
5
Player to watch: Ludovic Blas
Having netted a late winner against Strasbourg, a result that overturned their five-match losing streak, Blas is the one to look out for. Moreover, he proved crucial against Saint-Etienne in the reverse fixture in November, netting two assists and a goal, taking his overall goal contribution to an impressive seven goals in six H2Hs.