Nantes host Rennes on 20 September 2025 in a Ligue 1 match where both teams have had mixed starts and are keen to gain momentum in the Brittany derby.
Prediction Overview
The tip is Rennes to win. Looking at head-to-head history, current form, and Rennes’ superior away pedigree despite recent ups and downs, they appear to have the edge. Nantes have not impressed with attacking consistency or defensive strength, especially at home, while Rennes have enough quality and psychological advantage to edge this one.
Nantes’ Uneven Home and Attack Issues
Nantes have played four Ligue 1 matches so far, collecting just 3 points, with one win, one loss, and three matches without a strong attacking display. Their home performances have included narrow wins and lackluster chance conversion. They also concede goals in games where they dominate possession or territory, which suggests that even against teams not in top form, Nantes are vulnerable - especially when their offensive threat is muted. Their recent matches show they often fail to generate many clear chances, and in the big derbies they tend to struggle to keep up intensity for 90 minutes.
Rennes’ Away Form & Mental Edge
Rennes, meanwhile, are fairly solid this season. According to Footstats, their record is 2 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss in their first four Ligue 1 games, placing them around 6th in the table. At home they are stronger (2 wins from 2), and although their away form is less convincing with no wins yet away from home (1 draw, 1 loss), they have shown they can score and exploit weaknesses - especially from teams who don’t press or defend compactly. Their scoring so far has been decent, and their confidence in this derby is boosted by historical dominance.
Derby History & Statistical Head-to-Head Back Rennes
In past meetings between Nantes and Rennes, Rennes have won 15 of the last 25 matches compared to Nantes’ 4, with 6 draws. The average goals per match in those games is around 2.21, suggesting moderate scoring - not too low, not an open gauntlet. The head-to-head record supports Rennes both winning fairly often and matches being competitive. Rennes’ better results historically and their ability to one-up Nantes in this fixture tip the scale in their favor.
