Le Havre vs Rennes Prediction & Betting Tips (5 October)

Le Havre welcomes Rennes to the Stade Océane this weekend in a clash that could redefine the lower half of the Ligue 1 table. Didier Digard’s men have clawed their way out of the relegation zone with back-to-back wins, including a gritty 3-2 triumph over Nantes and a composed 2-0 victory at Montpellier. The resurgence has been fueled by the midfield dynamism of Yassine Kechta and the clinical finishing of Abdoulaye Toure, whose brace against Nantes turned heads. With Yann Kitala and Andy Logbo still sidelined, Digard is expected to stick with the same attacking trio, hoping to ride the wave of momentum into a third consecutive win.

Rennes, meanwhile, arrive in Normandy with turbulence swirling around their dugout. Julien Stephan’s tenure has been under scrutiny following a string of underwhelming performances that have left the club languishing in 13th place. Despite flashes of promise, including a 3-0 win over Angers powered by Arnaud Kalimuendo’s brace, inconsistency has plagued Les Rennais. Their recent 1-1 draw against Brest did little to silence speculation about Stephan’s future, and whispers of a managerial change have grown louder. The visitors will need to summon resilience and rediscover their attacking rhythm if they hope to leave Le Havre with points in hand.

Historically, Rennes have had the upper hand in this fixture, winning three of their last six meetings against Le Havre. But form and fortune seem to be shifting. Le Havre’s recent revival has injected belief into a side that looked destined for the drop just weeks ago. Their defensive frailties remain a concern—55 goals conceded last season is a haunting stat—but their newfound grit and late-game heroics suggest a team learning to fight for survival. Rennes, on the other hand, have struggled to convert possession into goals, often falling short in the final third despite dominating stretches of play.

With both teams desperate for points and redemption, expect a tightly contested affair. Le Havre’s home advantage and recent form give them a slight edge, especially with Kechta orchestrating play and Toure in scoring touch. Rennes will likely find the net through Kalimuendo, but defensive lapses could prove costly. Our prediction leans toward a 2-1 victory for Le Havre—a scoreline that reflects their upward trajectory and Rennes’ ongoing search for stability.