Rennes-Lens is a Ligue 1 Week 29 match and is played on Saturday at 21:00: stats, odds, predictions
In the first part of the season, in Ligue 1, the only team to hold any kind of ground against Psg was Franck Haise’s surprising Lens.
Standing on a long unbeaten run at home – their first home defeat came in February – the Giallorossi gave the impression they could really compete for the title with the Parisians, who they scrapped in their New Year’s Day clash. Since then, however, Fofana and his teammates have gone through an inevitable slump, slowly coming back into the fold. The most realistic objective at this point is qualification for the next Champions League, which in any case would be welcomed as a real sporting miracle by the square, bearing in mind that Lens have not played a European competition for over fifteen years. In the last two days, meanwhile, Haise’s men took advantage of two engagements within their reach (Clermont and Angers), obtaining two resounding victories, in which the attack returned to unleash, scoring seven goals in total. The defence also did well, remaining inviolate on both occasions. Lens’ winning streak, unbeaten since the Lyon match last February, was extended.
Rennes’ fickleness
In the Roazhon Park fixture against Rennes, the Giallorossi will try to consolidate third place: the race on Marseille in second place continues – the Provençals are +2 – but behind them is Monaco, who are only three points behind and prevent Lens from sleeping soundly.
Rennes players celebrating
For Bruno Genesio’s Rennes, fifth on 50 points, it is probably one of the last chances to get back into the fight for one of the top three places. They need to build on the victory they won before the break at the Parc des Princes against Psg (0-2), an unexpected success that boosts the Breton outfit’s ambitions. After being eliminated from the Europa League by Shakhtar Donetsk, Rennes recorded contrasting results, losing to Marseille and making a splash at home to the defending champions. Genesio will not be able to count on the injured Terrier and Truffert (season over for both) and Doku, Xeka and Assignon are in doubt. Lens’ infirmary, on the other hand, is gradually emptying, with central defender Medina returning for the top-of-the-table clash with Rennes.
The Prediction
Rennes also showed against Psg that they are an unpredictable team, capable of anything. At home, the Rossoneri have only lost three games and should be able to avoid defeat even against a Lens on a positive streak and again in confidence. It could be an entertaining match between two teams who are on an equal footing and both are likely to score on at least one occasion.
Rennes-Lens likely line-up
- RENNES (5-3-2): Mandanda; Traoré, Omari, Theate, Wooh, Truffert; Bourigeaud, Santamaria, Majer; Kalimuendo, Gouiri.
- LENS (4-2-3-1): Samba; Frankowski, Gradit, Danso, Haïdara; Samed, Fofana; Sotoca, Thomasson, Fulgini; Openda.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-1
