Kicking off the 2025/26 Ligue 1 season will be the match between Rennes and Olympique Marseille, set to take place at Roazhon Park on the 15th of August 2025. The match will contain elements of great action and skill, not to mention lots of Saudi Pro League betting. Rennes will be looking to compete on the European stage once again, while Marseille leads the Saudi Pro League after an intense season, not to mention the fierce rivalry between the clubs. Marseille will definitely give Rennes an electrifying match, as the Roazhon Park atmosphere gives much hostility to visiting clubs.
Match Overview
- Fixture: Rennes vs Olympique Marseille
- Date: Friday, 15 August 2025
- Kick-off: 6:45 PM (UTC)
- Competition: French Ligue 1 (Matchday 1)
- Venue: Roazhon Park, Rennes, France
- Win Probability: Rennes 25% | Draw 26% | Marseille 49%
We're looking at a clash between 2 clubs that have seen quite different fortunes lately. Marseille is feeling great after their comeback to the Champions League with Roberto De Zerbi at the helm, while Rennes is working hard to recover from 2 lackluster mid-table seasons.
Head-to-Head Record
Total meetings: 132
Marseille wins: 58
Rennes wins: 37
Draws: 37
Last season: Marseille did the double over Rennes (aggregate 6-3).
In recent years, Marseille has dominated this rivalry, winning 4 of the previous 5 Ligue 1 matches, including a resounding 4-2 triumph on the last day of the 2024–2025 campaign.
Team Form & Pre-Season Recap
Rennes—Building for Stability
Last season was one of Rennes’ most underwhelming in over a decade, finishing 12th with 41 points. The club sacked 2 managers before Habib Beye steadied the ship in January.
Pre-season, however, has been inconsistent:
P6 | W1 | D4 | L1
Most recent result: 2-2 draw vs. Genoa
Rennes has invested in several key signings, including Valentin Rongier, Przemyslaw Frankowski, and Quentin Merlin. But injuries to Lilian Brassier and Alidu Seidu are a blow to their defensive stability.
Marseille—Eyes on the Title
Under Roberto De Zerbi, Marseille finished second last season, their best campaign since 2021–22. They ended the season on a 5-game unbeaten run and have looked sharp in the preseason.
P6 | W4 | D2 | L0
Most recent result: 3-1 win vs Aston Villa
Summer signings include:
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (returning after a season in Saudi Arabia)
Mason Greenwood (joint-top scorer in Ligue 1 last season)
Adrien Rabiot, Angel Gomes, Timothy Weah, and Igor Paixão (injured for this match)
With attacking firepower to spare, Marseille will be looking to make a statement on opening day.
Predicted Lineups
Rennes (3-4-2-1)
GK: Brice Samba
DEF: Mikayil Faye, Jérémy Jacquet, Anthony Rouault
MID: Przemyslaw Frankowski, Seko Fofana, Djaoui Cisse, Quentin Merlin
AM: Loum Tchaouna, Ludovic Blas
ST: Arnaud Kalimuendo
Unavailable: Lilian Brassier (ankle), Alidu Seidu (knee)
Marseille (4-2-3-1)
GK: Gerónimo Rulli
DEF: Amir Murillo, Leonardo Balerdi, Derek Cornelius, Ulisses Garcia
MID: Adrien Rabiot, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg
AM: Mason Greenwood, Angel Gomes, Amine Gouiri
ST: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Unavailable: Igor Paixão (muscle injury)
Tactical Analysis
Rennes’ Approach
- Habib Beye is expected to line up in a 3-4-2-1, focusing on wing-back width through Frankowski and Merlin. Their game will most likely focus on quick transitions, with Kalimuendo as the major target.
- However, without Brassier and Seidu, the Rennes back line may remain vulnerable to Marseille's high press.
Marseille’ Approach
De Zerbi’s side is gearing up to dominate possession, using their 4-2-3-1 formation to create a midfield overload. Højbjerg and Rabiot will manage the game’s tempo, while Greenwood and Gouiri will be on the lookout to exploit those half-spaces.
Expect Marseille to press high, force errors, and transition quickly into attack—an approach that worked against Rennes last season.
Key Battles to Watch
Kalimuendo vs. Balerdi—Rennes’ top scorer will need to win his duels to give the hosts any chance.
Greenwood vs. Rouault—Greenwood’s movement and finishing could be decisive.
Fofana vs. Rabiot—Midfield control will determine the rhythm of the match.
Best Betting Tips
Marseille to win
Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
Over 2.5 goals
Prediction
Given Marseille’s dominant head-to-head record, superior squad depth, and strong preseason, they are well-placed to start the campaign with an away win. Rennes may score, but Marseille’s attacking trio should overpower the hosts.
Correct Score Prediction: Rennes 1-3 Marseille
Best Value Bet: Marseille win & BTTS
Time for the Champions to Take Place
The 2025/26 Ligue 1 season is set to kick off with an exciting clash. Although Rennes is committed to proving they can compete with the best clubs once more, Marseille is the obvious favorite due to their skill, momentum, and offensive potency.
