Monaco vs Rennes prediction, H2H and probable lineups — 31 January 2026
As part of Matchday 20 in Ligue 1, Monaco will host Rennes. The clash is scheduled for Saturday, 31 January, with kick-off set for 21:05 Central European Time. I’m backing a bet on goals in this encounter.
Match preview
Monaco’s 2025/26 domestic campaign has been marked by inconsistency. The team blends attacking football with aggressive pressing, which helps them create dangerous chances in almost every match, but significant issues with results persist.
The season started promisingly for Monaco as they kept pace with the league leaders, but something broke down in mid-autumn and they gradually slid into mid-table. With 15 games still to play, they now trail the top four by 12 points—a considerable gap.
Since their win over PSG at the end of November, Monaco haven’t claimed a single Ligue 1 victory, managing just one draw. Around the turn of 2025 and 2026, the Monégasques did advance through two rounds of the national cup, but that’s about all they can boast.
Midweek, Monaco shared the points with Juventus in the Champions League, securing a place in the top 24. Next up for Pokognoli’s side is a clash with either PSG or Newcastle in the round of 16.
Rennes have shown decent form, especially in attack. The team makes excellent use of the flanks and quick counterattacks, making them dangerous even away from home. Over their last five matches, the Red and Blacks have picked up 7 points, scoring 6 goals and conceding 9—evidence of a prolific but vulnerable style.
Rennes have performed well against direct rivals, having already beaten Monaco, Lille, and Strasbourg. However, their finishing can let them down, which is why they currently sit sixth in the table.
Their defensive line is susceptible to fast counters, which has been the main reason for most of their goals conceded this season. Despite these issues, Rennes are effective on the road and strive to control possession, creating space for their wide players.
This approach makes Rennes matches open and high-scoring—so another goal-fest is likely when they take on Monaco.
Match facts
- Monaco are winless in their last four matches.
- The Monégasques have drawn their last two games 0-0.
- Rennes have lost just one of their last nine away fixtures.
- Monaco average 1.8 goals per home game, while Rennes net 1.3 per match on their travels.
Probable lineups
- Monaco: Kean, Ouattara, Kehrer, Teze, Henrique, Camara, Zakaria, Golovin, Akliouche, Balogun, Biereth.
- Rennes: Samba, Jaquet, Boudlal, Brassier, Merlin, Frankowski, Camara, Cissé, Rongier, Lepaul, Embolo.
H2H
Rennes haven’t managed a win away at Monaco since 2018.
Prediction
This match promises a fierce battle between two solid sides. Both teams love to attack, making a bet on both teams to score a very likely scenario.
