Monaco vs Rennes Prediction & Betting Tips (31 January)

Without an idea in Le Havre and leaving Normandy with a sad 0-0 draw, Monaco has just gone through a 5th match without a win in the Championship after defeats at Brest 1-0 and Marseille 1-0 then at home against Lyon 1-3 and Lorient 1-3. The Principality club certainly stopped the bleeding but slipped one position down, to 10th place. Behind by 12 points in the top 4, ASM fell behind in the race for Europe and had the opportunity to regain confidence on Wednesday in the Champions League. She had to do well at home to qualify for the play-offs. Rennes has just suffered two poor performances on its lawn: a draw against a modest Le Havre team 1-1 and a defeat in the Breton derby against Lorient 0-2.

6th in Ligue 1, the Rouge et Noir had not gone two games without a victory since the end of October. They have since sublimated themselves and returned to the race for Europe. Habib Beye's players started the year with a 0-2 success in Lille in the Championship and enforced the hierarchy in the round of 16 of the Coupe de France against Chantilly N2; 1-3. 

AS Monaco is deprived of many starters this weekend. The convalescence of central Mawissa, Salisu, Dier and Faes decimates the defensive sector and does not help the affairs of coach Sébastien Pocognoli, who also deplores the withdrawal of Paul Pogba (midfield), number 1 goalkeeper Hradecky and offensive player Minamino (3 goals in L1). The last season is already over. The piston executive Diatta, who returned ill from the CAN, should apply for a return to the group. The long-awaited salvation can come through Fati (6 goals in L1), Balogun (4 goals in L1) or even Akliouche (3 goals in L1).   Unlike its opponent, Stade Rennais is spared from injuries.

The Breton club is apparently making the entire trip but without Seko Fofana. Relegated to midfield, the Ivorian international should finish the season on loan at FC Porto. Attacking midfielder Szymanski, who arrived from Fenerbahçe, remains the only winter recruit and is applying for a first start. Lepaul (8 goals in L1) and Embolo (5 goals in L1) are Rennes' best scorers but the first has remained silent in the last three matches. Embolo returns to his former club this Saturday.