A thrilling contest could be on the cards as Rennes welcome Lyon to Roazhon Park for the opening fixture of Ligue 1. This clash often serves up goals and with both teams boasting some attacking quality, another high-scoring encounter could be on the cards.
Rennes are often one of the teams to watch in Ligue 1 but struggled to find their best form last season. They finished 10th on the standings and will be targeting a positive start to give them a platform for a solid campaign.
Manager Julien Stephan mostly strengthened the backline with the acquisition of Leo Ostigard and Albert Gronbaek while also holding on to key players. Rennes lost just once in preseason and head into Sunday’s clash off the back of a 1-0 victory over Werder Bremen.
Lyon ultimately had a better campaign than Rennes last season but were never in contention for anything major. Their target this term is to improve on their sixth place finish and push further up the table.
Preseason was a bit erratic for Lyon, who claimed two wins and suffered two defeats in five matches. Manager, Pierre Sage will be hoping summer signings like Georges Mikautadze will fire them to success this season.
How the bookies view it: Rennes with the edge
Rennes have the upper hand among the bookies with a home win priced at 5/4 by Betfred. A victory for Lyon is valued at 15/8 by Betfred, who is also offering odds of 9/4 for a draw.
Head to head: Lyon on top
Lyon have a 25-19 edge with 17 draws from 61 previous matches against Rennes. Both teams won the away fixture last season with Lyon winning 1-0 at Roazhon Park while Rennes claimed a 3-2 victory in the reverse fixture.
Players to watch: Gouiri to fire Rennes
Amine Gouiri is often involved in most of Rennes’ attacking plays, either scoring or assisting. The forward scored seven goals last season and could be backed to find the net on Sunday at 2/1 with Betfred.
Given Alexandre Lacazette’s extended holiday, Said Benrahma could be the one to watch for Lyon on Sunday. The forward had a decent first season and could be backed to kick-on with a goal at 16/5 with Betfred.
Probable line-ups
Amine Gouiri is usually pivotal to Rennes’ attack and should start on Sunday alongside Arnaud Kalimuendo. Ludovic Blas and Benjamin Beaurigeaud should feature in midfield while Arthur Theate and Leo Ostigard are expected to partner in defence.
Lyon captain Alexandre Lacazette was given an extended break following the Olympics and is unlikely to feature on Sunday. Georges Mikautadze should lead the line alongside Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Said Benrahma. Nemanja Matic is expected to anchor the midfield while Duje Caleta-Car should start in defence.
Rennes: Mandanda, Truffert, Theate, Ostigard, Assignor, Kamara, Doue, Beaurigeaud, Blas, Gouiri, Kalimuendo
Lyon: Perri, Clinton Mata, Caleta-Car, Niakhate, Abner, Caqueret, Matic, Tolisso, Maitland-Niles, Benrahma, Mikautadze
Anything else catch the eye?
There were five goals in the last meeting between Rennes and Lyon and another high-scoring encounter could be on the cards. Over 4.5 goals is priced at 4/1 by Betfred, who is also offering 7/4 for over 3.5 goals while over 2.5 goals is valued at 8/11.
There have been more goals after the break in three of the last four meetings and a similar pattern is priced at 21/20 by Betfred.
This French Ligue 1 match between Rennes and Lyon will be played on Aug 18, 2024 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Rennes vs Lyon prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
