Dijon Vs Rennes
Dijon Vs Rennes Friday 16 October 2020 – 18:00 kick-off
French Ligue 1
Pick: Rennes to WIN
Odds: 3/4
Bookmaker: Betway
(All betting odds displayed correct at time of writing: 13 October 2020)
Preview: The action from Ligue 1 in France returns on Friday following the recent international break, and first up is an intriguing encounter between the team in last place, Dijon, and table-toppers Rennes at the former’s Stade Gaston Gerard.
French Ligue 1 Betting at Bet365
Table of Contents
Dijon Preview – Bottom of Ligue 1 and justifiably so?
Considered by some as the most likely side to be relegated of those to have survived in Ligue 1 last season, the performance of Dijon has so far done little, if anything, to dissuade their early sceptics. Les Hiboux (The Owls) are one of only two teams – the other being Stade de Reims – who are still to register a win in the French top-flight in 2020-21, picking up a paltry two of 18 points (D2 L4) thus far.
Meanwhile, a resounding 3-0 loss away to Bordeaux immediately prior to the international break was arguably their lowest ebb to date. Their opponents that day had made a slow start to Ligue 1 themselves and had failed to score in three of their opening five encounters, but ended up doubling their goal tally for the season in that one outing as Dijon shipped two or more goals for the fourth league game in the last five.
Even more alarming has been the general level of performances, which, at least in the view of the Expected Goals model with Infogol, has so far been the poorest of all 20 teams in Ligue 1 (average xGF & xGA: 0.6 & 2.3). The latter, in particular, is a big concern ahead of facing a Rennes team which has scored more goals (14) than anyone in Ligue 1 this season. A figure nearly five times greater than Dijon (3).
Rennes Preview – Table-toppers primed to end H2H hoodoo?
Last season the Brittany club outdid themselves by finishing in third, and thus securing a first-ever appearance in the Champions League where on Tuesday they welcome Russian side FC Krasnodar to the west of France for their opening group game. With seemingly tougher assignment awaiting them in the shape of Chelsea and Sevilla, a strong start feels essential for Julian Stephan and his players.
In the meantime, though, there is a prior engagement domestically to take care of as Les Rouges et Noir seek to consolidate their position atop Ligue 1. Currently level on points with a Lille side whose inferior number of goals has them in second, Rennes know victory away to rock-bottom Dijon would not only keep them top of the table but provide them with additional confidence and momentum ahead of Tuesday.
Yet the three points could be in real jeopardy should the recent head-to-head record between the sides hold up. In the four previous Ligue 1 meetings, Rennes emerged victorious only once and that was at their Brittany residence inside Roazhon Park. On the road, however, it has been bleak, losing on four prior visits to Stade Gaston Gerard since claiming their sole away success in this fixture in 2011.
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Dijon Vs Rennes Betting Advice
Such contrasting starts to the domestic season in France would indicate a straightforward victory awaits for the form side of the two, which is clearly Rennes who remain unbeaten and head the Ligue 1 table with 14 points from a possible 18. Compare that with a Dijon side who prop up the table in last place having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, four of which ended in defeat.
Dijon Vs Rennes – Key Facts:
- In Ligue 1 this season no team has either collected fewer points (1) or scored less goals (3) than Dijon, whose defensive record (13 in 6) is the second-worst in the division.
- Since the beginning of last season, Rennes have secured eight away wins in Ligue 1 in 17 such games, with all but one of those wins accompanied by a clean sheet.
- Despite winning on their very first trip to Dijon in Ligue 1 in 2011 (1-5), Rennes have lost all four subsequent meetings as the visiting side by an aggregate of 4-10.
The head-to-head record, however, particularly here in Dijon, massively favours the home side, who have won each of the past four Ligue 1 meetings on home soil. Nevertheless this does feel like a prime opportunity for Rennes to capitalise on what is a good moment for the club, starting this season well but also strengthening a squad which is far superior on paper to that of their opponents.
Best Match Odds – Dijon Vs Rennes
Dijon – 4/1 (Betway)
Draw – 14/5 (Betfair)
Rennes – 3/4 (Betway)
