Rennes set for Europa League boost at Nantes

Nantes v Rennes
6.30pm Friday

There are just five rounds of fixtures to play in Ligue 1 but the battle for fifth (the second of the two guaranteed Europa League qualification berths) involves eight teams, including Nantes and Rennes, who play each other at La Beaujoire-Louis Fonteneau.

Fifth-placed Rennes have taken just two points from their last three games and the chasing pack are now breathing down their necks.

Five points covers fifth to 12th and ninth-placed Nantes could go shoot up to fifth if they beat Rennes and other weekend results go their way.

Nantes were in the top five from late-September to late-February but have struggled in recent months, winning one of their last ten matches.

Their top-scorer – 12-goal striker Emiliano Sala – has netted just once in their last seven games and they have been loose at the back, posting two clean sheets in 14 league matches this year.

Manager Claudio Ranieri prides himself on making his teams tough to beat but it has been a difficult last few months for his players, who look poor value favourites to end a recent four-game winless sequence.

Rennes surprisingly lost 2-1 at home to basement boys Metz last week but they are a force on the road and have collected more away points than any team outside of the top four.

Sabri Lamouchi's side have registered eye-catching away wins at Lyon (2-0) and Bordeaux (2-0) this year and haven't lost on their last five road trips. They appear to be the likelier winners and look decent value.

Recommendation
Rennes
1pt 9-4 Betway

Bet on this game at Soccerbase.com

Dijon v Lyon
BT Sport ESPN, 7.45pm Friday

Lyon have climbed into the Ligue 1 top three off the back of five straight league wins but may have to settle for a draw against mid-table Dijon, who are tough to beat on home soil.

Dijon have the best home record outside of the top four and may pose greater resistance to Lyon than the markets are anticipating.

Recommendation
Draw
1pt 15-4 general

Key stat
Dijon have lost one of their last 11 home games.

Bet on this game at Soccerbase.com

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