Nice vs Rennes prediction, H2H and probable lineups — March 8, 2026
As part of matchday 25 in the French Ligue 1, Nice will host Rennes. The clash is set for Sunday, March 8, with kickoff scheduled for 17:15 Central European Time. Here’s my pick for the winner of this game.
Match preview
Nice are enduring a tough season on all fronts, looking like one of the most inconsistent sides in Ligue 1. After an early exit from European competitions, the team can now focus on domestic action, but their league campaign is far from impressive.
Defensively, Nice have been woeful, with only Metz conceding more goals—a team already preparing for life in Ligue 2. This has forced the coaching staff to focus on tightening up at the back. Still, Nice remain dangerous on quick counterattacks and set pieces, which helps keep their heads above water.
Claude Puel’s side are just six points clear of the relegation zone, making every point absolutely vital. There’s no more room for error; the players must give their all in every remaining fixture, regardless of the opponent.
Midweek, Nice reached the semifinals of the Coupe de France. Despite playing most of their match against Lorient with a numerical advantage, the tie was settled by a penalty shootout—luckily, it was Nice who advanced.
Rennes, meanwhile, continue to show solid form this season. Although recent results dipped and the club changed managers, they pulled off a remarkable win over PSG even without a permanent head coach.
Following that game, Franck Haise—who was dismissed by Nice late last year—took the reins at Rennes. Under his leadership, Rennes have won both matches so far.
Their attacking unit has been firing, with Esteban Lepaul netting 12 of the team’s 38 goals, placing him third in the Ligue 1 scoring charts. However, their defense can be shaky, especially against high-scoring opponents.
Despite being away from home, Rennes come into this fixture eager to fight for every inch of the pitch. Their motivation and determination to claim points make them a dangerous opponent for Nice on their home turf.
Match facts
- Nice have failed to win in regular time in their last five matches.
- Rennes have won their last three games.
- Nice average 1.4 goals per home game, while Rennes average 1.25 goals per away match.
Probable lineups
- Nice: Dupé, Bard, Pepra, Ba, Clauss, Sanson, Vanhout, Diop, Cho, Loshe, Kevin.
- Rennes: Samba, Nagida, Rouault, Brassier, Merlin, Rongier, Szymanski, Kamara, Tamari, Norden, Lepaul.
H2H
- The teams have not drawn any of their encounters since 2022.
- Rennes have failed to beat Nice away from home in their last four visits.
Prediction
Rennes are battling for a European spot, while Nice are fighting to avoid getting dragged into the relegation scrap, so motivation will be sky-high for both sides. I think the visitors can impose their style and I’m backing Rennes to avoid defeat in this one.
