Rennes vs. Reims – Ligue 1, October 4, 2020

It’s first against second-bottom in Ligue 1 this weekend as high-flying Rennes hosts struggling Reims on Sunday, October 4.

We are only five games into the 2020/21 season, but there is already a whopping 12-point difference between these two sides. Rennes is yet to taste defeat this term, while Reims is still waiting for their first win of the season.

This is set to be an intriguing matchup, so make sure you keep reading to see my Rennes vs. Reims prediction and betting preview.

Towards the end of last season, the odds gap for this fixture would have been far narrower. Reims (5.35) enjoyed a hugely successful 2019/20 campaign, finishing sixth – nine points behind Rennes (1.62). But the two sides have been moving in opposite directions ever since.

While Rennes has continued to excel, Reims has plummeted down the table. Given the contrasting form of these two teams, I am not surprised to see the best online soccer betting sites favoring the home side here.

Can anyone stop Rennes at the moment?

Following last season’s third-place finish, the Red and Blacks have hit the ground running this term, claiming 13 points from a possible 15 and going unbeaten in their opening five games.

After drawing with Lille on Matchday 1, Julien Stephan’s men have destroyed everything in their path. Victories over Montpellier, Nimes, Monaco, and St-Etienne have propelled Rennes to the summit of the Ligue 1 table, and the team isn’t showing any signs of slowing down.

New signing Serhou Guirassy has netted three goals in four appearances since joining from Amiens, including a double in the 4-2 victory over Nimes on Matchday 3. Center-back Nayef Aguerd has also chipped in with two goals in the last three games. The Morocco international is proving to be a force at the both ends of the pitch.

At the other end of the table, four straight defeats have left Reims stranded. David Guion’s men kicked off their campaign with a 2-2 draw against Monaco, but losses to Lille, Angers, Metz, and PSG have seen the club get off to the worst possible start.

Reims was known for their defensive solidity last season. In fact, the Red and Whites conceded three goals less than PSG to finish the 2019/20 campaign with the best defensive record in the division. But having let in just 21 goals in 28 games last term, the team has already conceded eight in five this year.

Needless to say, Reims will be desperate end their slump. Unfortunately for Guion’s men, a game against in-form Rennes isn’t likely to fix their problems.

Reims’ dismal run must end soon, but I can’t see it coming to an end on Sunday. The Red and Whites have been nowhere near their best this season, and I’m expecting Rennes to take full advantage of the situation.

Stephen’s men are the division’s top scorers, so it’s no surprise they find themselves sitting pretty at the top of the table. I’m backing Rennes to notch up a fifth straight win this weekend and extend their unbeaten run to six games.