Nantes vs Rennes | Football Previews & Free Betting Tips | 20th September 2025

Nantes host Rennes on 20 September 2025 in a Ligue 1 clash that already carries plenty of narrative weight. The hosts are looking to steady their start after mixed results, while the visitors are flying high and bringing serious attacking output. Expect a noisy Stade de la Beaujoire with a strong away contingent adding spice to an already traditional rivalry.

In tactical terms, Nantes generally set up in a balanced 4-2-3-1 with direct transitions and compact defensive lines, relying on collective organisation and counters. Rennes tend to control more of the ball with a 4-3-3 structure, using width and overloads in the middle third to dictate play. It’s a clash of containment and counter versus proactive control.

• Nantes are averaging just under 50% possession and around 11 shots per game — pointing to a side that concedes territory but looks to break forward quickly.
• Rennes are controlling matches with close to 60% possession and more than 14 shots per outing, reflecting a front-foot approach that keeps opponents pinned back.
• Nantes’ xG profile shows they create decent chances (~1.8 xG per game) despite modest shot totals, while Rennes are both creating and converting at a strong rate (2.0 xG for, only 0.8 against).

Nantes’ last ten competitive games read 4 wins, 3 draws and 3 defeats, scoring 14 and conceding 7. They’ve kept things fairly tight but goals have been hard to come by recently, averaging just 0.5 scored per game in the new campaign.

Rennes meanwhile have won 7 of their last 10, drawing 2 and losing only once, with 22 scored and 8 conceded. They look well-drilled at both ends, with an ability to shut teams out and punish them when chances arrive.

Recent patterns suggest Nantes lean on defensive resilience, while Rennes have been sharper in attack and consistent away from home.

Nantes average 48%, while Rennes sit on 58%. The visitors are likely to dominate the ball, leaving Nantes to soak pressure and hit transitions.

Nantes: 4.5 per game. Rennes: 6.0 per game. The visitors generate more set-piece opportunities, reflecting their territorial control.

Nantes pick up about 2.0 yellows per match, Rennes closer to 1.5. No major red card trends, but Rennes are slightly more disciplined overall.

Nantes fire around 11 total / 4 on target. Rennes are averaging 14 total / 5.5 on target. Clear edge to the visitors in volume and efficiency.

Nantes: 1.8 xG for, 1.0 xGA per match. Rennes: 2.0 xG for, 0.8 xGA. Rennes’ numbers show a team creating more and conceding fewer chances.

Nantes at home: in their last 10 home games they’ve taken points from most, often winning tight contests and keeping clean sheets in a quarter of matches.
Rennes away: strong travellers, winning more than half of their last 10 on the road, regularly scoring 2+ goals and rarely being shut out.

These two sides have a fierce rivalry, with the last five meetings producing mixed results. Nantes nicked a big win away in April 2026, Rennes hammered them 4-0 in early 2025, and two of the other clashes finished in draws or narrow wins. It’s often a tight, feisty contest, with neither side dominating consistently.

Prediction: Rennes to win 2-1.
Nantes have defensive structure but limited cutting edge, while Rennes are in excellent form and carrying momentum. A narrow away win looks the likeliest outcome.

Main pick: Rennes to win — their form, attacking record, and head-to-head advantage make them strong value.
Value angle: Over 2.5 goals — the visitors’ attack is in good shape and this rivalry often produces action.