Preview
Yoda Mc Yoda FaceDifficult to see, the future always is. But analyze the patterns of the ball, we must. Saturday brings a clash of fortunes divergent - Rennes hosting Toulouse, with paths heading opposite directions they are.
Impressive, the home side's recent performances have been. Three goals against Paris Saint-Germain, they scored - champions of France, humbled at Roazhon Park in a 3-1 victory. Against Auxerre, three more they netted in a 3-0 triumph. Six points from the last three matches, Rennes have gathered. Rising, their trajectory is. At home, 1.75 goals per game they average, while conceding but one. Strong with this one, the force is.
Yet Toulouse arrives with clouds darkening overhead. One point from their last three league matches - a draw against Paris FC and defeats to Le Havre and Angers. Five goals against Nice they scored in January, a fleeting moment of brilliance, but consistency eludes them. Declining, their trend is. On the road, sturdy defensively they have been, but against the momentum of Rennes, struggle they might.
History between them, balanced it is. Four victories for Toulouse, three for Rennes in their last nine meetings. A 2-2 draw in October, the most recent result. But past performance, guarantee of future results it is not. Current form, the true indicator it remains.
The numbers speak: Rennes at 2.15 to win, value this represents. Beat the league leaders they did; beat a struggling Toulouse side, they should. The goal expectancies favor the hosts at 1.38 to 1.10.
Key Points:
• Rennes unbeaten in last two, scoring six goals
• Toulouse winless in three, scoring just one goal
• Rennes defeated PSG 3-1 at home recently - quality proven
• Toulouse lost to lower-table sides Le Havre and Angers
• H2H balanced but current momentum strongly favors hosts
Summary: Bet on Rennes to win at 2.15, I do. The force of their recent form, too strong for the visitors it will be.