Football Bet of the Day: Rennes and Reims set for another shootout

Reims fans have seen plenty of goals in recent weeks

For the second time this week, Kevin Hatchard's looking for an odds-against winner in France.

Rennes v Reims
Thursday January 22, 20:00

We suffered the betting equivalent of a hefty kick to the groin last night. With 14 minutes to go at Celtic Park, our Under 3.5 Goals bet was looking fine and dandy, with Celtic just 2-0 up against Motherwell. Then defender Mikael Lustig, who hadn't previously scored this season, helped himself to a quick-fire brace. As risible spitemonger Richard Littejohn often writes, you couldn't make it up.

We had a winner in France at the start of the week, and we're retreating there again today. It's Coupe de France time, and Rennes are up against Reims.

These two sides met a month ago in Ligue 1, and Reims came from behind to win 3-1. In their two meetings last season, Rennes won their home fixture 2-1, and also won 3-1 at the Stade Auguste Delaune.

So, we know that there are usually goals when these two do battle, but how do they get on against other teams? Reims have opened up in recent weeks, and their last eight matches have all featured three goals or more. Jean-Luc Vasseur's side almost always score at least once - they've drawn a blank in just one of their last 15 matches.

Rennes played out a dreary goalless draw with Saint Etienne at the weekend, but three of their last five games have featured three goals or more, and they've found the net at least once in 12 of their last 15 outings.

We could go for Yes in the Both Teams to Score market at 2.166/5, but I'm willing to be a touch bolder and go for Over 2.5 Goals at a seemingly generous 2.35/4. The BTTS would cover the 1-1 draw, but these two sides don't draw many - Rennes have drawn six of their 21 league games, while Reims have been involved in just four stalemates. 

Recommended Bet

Back Over 2.5 Goals at 2.35/4

2015 P/L (1 pt per bet)

Points Staked: 10

Points Returned: 7.43

P/L: -2.57 points