Monaco vs Rennes Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Saturday, January 31st

Monaco vs Rennes Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Saturday, January 31st. As we look ahead to this intriguing Ligue 1 clash, Monaco will host Rennes at the iconic Stade Louis II. This match promises to be a compelling encounter, with both teams eager to secure crucial points in the league standings. Monaco, playing on their home turf, will aim to use their familiarity with the venue to gain an advantage over Rennes.

Rennes, on the other hand, will be looking to challenge Monaco’s home dominance and make a statement in this away fixture. Both teams have shown competitive form in Ligue 1, and this match could significantly impact their positions in the league table. With high stakes, fans can expect a strategic battle as Monaco and Rennes vie for victory under the lights of Stade Louis II.

Monaco vs Rennes Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Both teams to score in the 1st half: yes	3.4

Given Monaco’s tendency to start matches with high intensity and Rennes’ effective counter-attacking play, our recommended betting tip for this fixture is Both Teams To Score in the first half. Monaco has demonstrated their ability to create early chances but often leaves gaps at the back, while Rennes capitalises on such opportunities, making this a likely outcome.

• Monaco has scored in 90% of their home matches this season, indicating their attacking prowess from the start.
• Rennes has managed to score in 79% of their matches, showing they are capable of finding the net, even away from home.
• Both teams have had defensive lapses early in games, creating a scenario ripe for first-half goals on both ends.

Betting Odds

Monaco are tipped as favourites to secure the win at Stade Louis II, with odds at 1.98. However, Rennes, priced at 3.35, could offer value for those backing an upset, especially given their recent performances in Ligue 1.

Betting Tip	Odds
Monaco to win	1.98
Draw	3.86
Rennes to win	3.35

A draw, with odds of 3.86, might attract those expecting a closely fought contest. Bettors should also consider the potential for goals, as both teams have shown attacking prowess this season.

Monaco Analysis & Past Performance

Monaco currently sit 10th in Ligue 1, with mixed recent form that includes only one win, two draws, and two losses in their last five matches. Their recent draw against Juventus in the Champions League, albeit a goalless affair, highlighted a solid defensive performance, managing to keep a clean sheet against a formidable opponent.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Monaco	Juventus	0 – 0 (Draw)	Champions League	28 Jan 2026
Le Havre	Monaco	0 – 0 (Draw)	Ligue 1	24 Jan 2026
Real Madrid	Monaco	6 – 1 (Loss)	Champions League	20 Jan 2026
Monaco	Lorient	1 – 3 (Loss)	Ligue 1	16 Jan 2026
Orleans	Monaco	1 – 3 (Win)	Coupe de France	10 Jan 2026

Recent Form:

• DDLLW

In their last five league fixtures, Monaco have averaged 1.00 goals per game while conceding 2.00, underscoring their defensive vulnerabilities. The team has managed two clean sheets, but their inability to consistently find the back of the net is concerning. Offensively, Anssumane Fati remains a key player, contributing six goals this season, yet the team struggles to convert opportunities, as evidenced by their average of 12 shots per match in recent games. At home, Monaco’s form is slightly better with a win ratio of 0.40, demonstrating some resilience when playing at Stade Louis II.

Monaco Suspensions & Injuries

Monaco face a challenging situation with several key players unavailable due to injuries. Paul Pogba’s absence, due to a calf injury, is significant given his influence in midfield. His creative abilities will be sorely missed, and Monaco may struggle to maintain their usual tempo without him. Takumi Minamino, sidelined with a long-term cruciate ligament injury, further depletes their attacking options.

Christian Mawissa’s hamstring injury and Lukas Hradecky’s knee issue add to the defensive woes, although Eric Dier, despite a thigh injury, is listed in the starting lineup, suggesting he might be managing his condition. Monaco will likely rely more heavily on Thilo Kehrer’s experience in defence to compensate for these absences.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Paul Pogba	Calf Injury	Around 1-2 weeks
Takumi Minamino	Cruciate ligament injury	Early September 2026
Christian Mawissa	Hamstring Injury	Early February 2026
Lukas Hradecky	Knee injury	Mid February 2026
Mohammed Salisu	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for the season
Eric Dier	Thigh injury	A few weeks
Wout Faes	Ankle injury	A few weeks

With Mohammed Salisu out for the season, Monaco’s defensive depth is strained, requiring tactical adjustments from coach Sébastien Pocognoli. The likely reliance on a 4-2-2-2 formation will demand more from their midfield and attacking lines to cover for the defensive gaps, potentially affecting their overall solidity.

These injuries could significantly influence Monaco’s betting odds, as their squad depth is tested. Their ability to adapt and find form in key areas will be crucial in determining their performance against Rennes.

Monaco Key Players

Monaco’s attack will be spearheaded by their top scorer Anssumane Fati, who has netted 6 goals this season. Known for his agility and sharp finishing, Fati will be pivotal in breaking down Rennes’ defensive lines. His ability to exploit spaces and his clinical nature in front of goal make him a constant threat. Alongside him, Folarin Balogun, another forward in the lineup, offers pace and precision, making the duo a formidable force.

In midfield, Aleksandr Golovin stands out as the playmaker, orchestrating Monaco’s offensive plays with his vision and passing accuracy. His role will be crucial in linking up with the forwards and creating scoring opportunities. Defensively, Thilo Kehrer brings experience and solidity, tasked with organising the backline and thwarting any attacking threats from Rennes.

Expected lineup for Monaco

• Goalkeeper: Philipp Köhn
• Defence: Kassoum Ouattara, Thilo Kehrer, Caio Henrique, Eric Dier
• Midfield: Lamine Camara, Denis Zakaria, Maghnes Akliouche, Aleksandr Golovin
• Forward: George Ilenikhena, Folarin Balogun

Monaco Tactics and Formation

Monaco Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-2-2
• Key Forwards: Folarin Balogun and George Ilenikhena
• Midfield Pivot: Denis Zakaria and Lamine Camara
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on wide play and swift counterattacks.

Monaco’s 4-2-2-2 formation provides an offensive edge with Folarin Balogun and George Ilenikhena leading the attack. This setup allows them to exploit the wings effectively, thanks to the support of wide midfielders Maghnes Akliouche and Aleksandr Golovin. The midfield pivot of Denis Zakaria and Lamine Camara ensures balance, offering defensive cover and facilitating transitions.

Defensively, the inclusion of Thilo Kehrer and Eric Dier in central defence, alongside full-backs Kassoum Ouattara and Caio Henrique, provides stability. Philipp Köhn’s presence in goal has been crucial, contributing to two clean sheets in Monaco’s recent matches.

Offensively, Monaco’s strategy hinges on quick transitions and utilising the width of the pitch. The dynamic forward pairing of Balogun and Ilenikhena is pivotal in converting opportunities, particularly effective in counterattacks. Despite recent injury setbacks, this tactical approach has yielded mixed results, with the team seeking consistency.

Rennes Analysis & Past Performance

Rennes have shown solid form in recent matches, securing three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five encounters. Their performance in the Coupe de France was particularly impressive with a 3-0 victory against Les Sables VF and a 3-1 triumph over Chantilly US, indicating their attacking prowess in knockout competitions.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Rennes	Lorient	0 – 2 (Loss)	Ligue 1	24 Jan, 2026
Rennes	Le Havre	1 – 1 (Draw)	Ligue 1	18 Jan, 2026
Chantilly US	Rennes	1 – 3 (Win)	French Cup	11 Jan, 2026
Lille	Rennes	0 – 2 (Win)	Ligue 1	3 Jan, 2026
Rennes	Les Sables VF	3 – 0 (Win)	French Cup	21 Dec, 2025

Recent Form:

• LDWWW

In Ligue 1, Rennes have been strong away from home, winning four of their last five away fixtures, boasting a win ratio of 80%. They have scored nine goals and conceded only four in this period, averaging 1.80 goals scored per game while maintaining two clean sheets, which emphasises their defensive solidity. However, their recent 0-2 home loss to Lorient reveals potential vulnerabilities when under pressure at home.

Rennes Suspensions & Injuries

Rennes head into their clash with Monaco without any injuries or suspensions, allowing coach Habib Beye to deploy his first-choice lineup. This is a significant advantage as it means the team can maintain their preferred tactical setup without the need for unplanned adjustments.

With a full squad at his disposal, Beye can focus on leveraging the strengths of his key players, such as Brice Samba in goal and the dynamic midfield pairing of Valentin Rongier and Mahdi Camara. This stability enhances Rennes’ ability to execute their game plan effectively.

The absence of any unavailable players allows Rennes to maintain their typical 3-5-2 formation, providing both defensive solidity and attacking options. The presence of Breel Embolo and Esteban Lepaul up front ensures that Rennes can capitalise on counter-attacking opportunities.

From a betting perspective, the full availability of Rennes’ squad suggests they are well-equipped to challenge Monaco. This could influence bettors to consider Rennes as strong contenders, given their potential to field a cohesive and balanced team.

Rennes Key Players

Rennes will heavily rely on their top scorer, Esteban Lepaul, who has impressively netted 9 goals this season. Lepaul’s instinctive positioning and finishing ability make him a constant threat in the opposition’s penalty area. His partnership with Breel Embolo in the forward line is pivotal, providing a dual threat that can stretch Monaco’s defence. Embolo’s strength and pace complement Lepaul’s goal-scoring prowess, creating a dynamic duo capable of unlocking any defence.

In midfield, Valentin Rongier stands out as a crucial playmaker for Rennes. His ability to control the tempo and distribute the ball effectively will be vital in transitioning from defence to attack. Alongside him, Przemysław Frankowski provides width and crossing ability, which can be instrumental in creating goal-scoring opportunities for the forwards. Defensively, the trio of Alidu Seidu, Jérémy Jacquet, and Lilian Brassier will be tasked with maintaining solidity at the back, with Brice Samba’s shot-stopping skills in goal adding an extra layer of security.

Expected lineup for Rennes:

• Goalkeeper: Brice Samba
• Defenders: Alidu Seidu, Jérémy Jacquet, Lilian Brassier
• Midfielders: Przemysław Frankowski, Valentin Rongier, Djaoui Cissé, Mahdi Camara, Quentin Merlin
• Forwards: Breel Embolo, Esteban Lepaul

Rennes Tactics and Formation

Rennes Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-5-2
• Key Forward: Esteban Lepaul
• Midfield Engine: Valentin Rongier
• Defensive Weakness: Conceded in four of the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Dominance in possession with a focus on wing play.

Rennes deploy a 3-5-2 formation that emphasises control of the midfield and width. With Valentin Rongier orchestrating play from the centre, Rennes maintain a high possession rate, as evidenced by their 69% possession in the last match against Lorient.

In defence, the trio of Alidu Seidu, Jérémy Jacquet, and Lilian Brassier form the backline, but the team has struggled to maintain clean sheets, conceding in four of their last five matches. This vulnerability could be exploited by Monaco’s attacking prowess.

Offensively, the partnership of Breel Embolo and Esteban Lepaul up front is pivotal, with Lepaul being the top scorer. The wing-backs, Przemysław Frankowski and Quentin Merlin, provide crucial width, supporting both attack and defence, crucial for transition play.

Monaco vs Rennes H2H Record

In their last 49 encounters, Monaco have the upper hand with 25 wins, while Rennes have managed 15 victories, and 11 matches have ended in a draw. The most recent clash saw Rennes dominate Monaco 4-1 at home in Ligue 1, showing their ability to turn the tables.

When Monaco hosted Rennes last in January 2025, they edged out a 3-2 victory, maintaining a strong home record against their rivals. Historically, Monaco have been more successful at Stade Louis II, which could be a crucial factor in this upcoming fixture.

Home Side	Away Side	Score	League	Date
Rennes	Monaco	4 – 1	Ligue 1	2025-11-22
Monaco	Rennes	3 – 2	Ligue 1	2025-01-25
Rennes	Monaco	1 – 2	Ligue 1	2024-10-05
Monaco	Rennes	1 – 0	Ligue 1	2024-04-07
Rennes	Monaco	1 – 2	Ligue 1	2023-12-09