Lens vs. Rennes Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 15 March 2025 - bettingexpert
Get ready for an intriguing Ligue 1 clash as Lens host Rennes at Stade Bollaert-Delelis. Scheduled for 20:05 GMT on 15 March 2025, this fixture is crucial for both teams eyeing a stronger finish in the league standings. Lens, occupying 8th place with 36 points, are looking to build on their recent 1-0 victory against Marseille that halted a four-game losing streak.
Rennes, positioned 12th with 29 points, hope to bounce back following a heavy 4-1 defeat to league leaders PSG. Notably, Rennes have displayed resilience under coach Habib Beye, securing three clean sheets in their last five games.
Stephanie Frappart will officiate the match, ensuring fair play is front and center. Betting odds favour Lens at 2.06, and given their home advantage and recent form, a Lens win seems likely. Lens’ defensive hiccups, particularly late in games, might add to the drama.
Expect a tight, competitive contest with both teams needing points to push up the standings.
## Lens vs Rennes Prediction & Betting tip
Recommended bet: Lens to win.
The odds favor Lens due to home advantage and recent performance. Both teams have shown vulnerabilities in defense recently, but Lens looks more likely to secure the win, playing in front of their home fans and being the bookmaker favorites.
| Lens vs Rennes Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Lens to win | 2.06 |
- Lens are ahead in the standings and have the home advantage.
- Rennes have been inconsistent in away games, as shown by their recent results.
- Lens have an edge given their latest performance and the backing of bookmaker odds.
Expect a competitive match with the potential for late-game drama.
## Lens vs Rennes Odds
With the match set to take place at Stade Bollaert-Delelis, the odds surprisingly favor Lens to take the win. Given their slightly better standing in Ligue 1 and home advantage, Lens are deemed more likely to secure the three points.
| Lens vs Rennes Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Lens | 2.06 |
| Draw | 3.41 |
| Rennes | 3.56 |
Lens benefit from their home crowd and a recent morale-boosting win against Marseille. Despite Rennes’ inconsistent away performances, they’ve also shown the ability to score, which could lead to a closely contested match. Looking at these odds, a bet on Lens to win stands out, but considering Rennes’ improved form under Habib Beye, a draw could also be worth a punt.
## Lens Team Analysis
### Lens Recent Performance
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Marseille | Lens | 0-1 (Win) |
| Lens | Le Havre | 3-4 (Loss) |
| Nantes | Lens | 3-1 (Loss) |
| Lens | Strasbourg | 0-2 (Loss) |
| Nice | Lens | 2-0 (Loss) |
Recent Form: WLLLL
Lens have had a tough run recently, only securing a single win in their last five matches. This includes a notable victory against Marseille, but they followed this up with four consecutive losses.
Despite this poor form, Lens averages 1 goal per game in this period and managed to keep one clean sheet. Head coach Will Still will need to rally his squad to rediscover their early-season form as they sit eighth in the standings.
### Lens Key Players
Lens has some standout players who will be crucial in this match against Rennes. Their top scorer, M’Bala Nzola, has netted 6 goals this season and will look to exploit Rennes’ defensive vulnerabilities.
Interestingly, the expected lineup for Lens features goalkeeper Mathew Ryan, who will be essential in maintaining a solid backline. Defenders Malang Sarr and Jonathan Gradit will anchor the defense.
On the offensive end, Florian Sotoca will be a key figure as the center forward, supported by attacking midfielders Adrien Thomasson and Wesley Saïd. These players will need to bring their A-game to break down Rennes’ defense.
Expected lineup for Lens:
- Goalkeeper: Mathew Ryan
- Defenders: Malang Sarr, Jonathan Gradit, Facundo Medina, Ruben Aguilar, Deiver Machado
- Midfielders: Neil El Aynaoui, Andy Diouf, Adrien Thomasson, Wesley Saïd
- Forward: Florian Sotoca
### Lens Suspensions & Injuries
Lens will have to manage several injuries as they prepare for their match against Rennes. The impact of these absences could be significant, especially in maintaining their defensive setup and attacking options.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Martin Satriano | Cruciate ligament injury | Early June 2025 |
| Rémy Labeau Lascary | Cruciate ligament injury | Out for season |
| Jhoanner Chávez | Ankle injury | Late March 2025 |
| Denis Petric | Back injury | Late March 2025 |
| Herve Koffi | Hamstring injury | Late March 2025 |
These injuries, particularly in defense and attacking positions, might hinder Lens’ ability to field their strongest XI. The absence of key players like Martin Satriano and Rémy Labeau Lascary may affect their depth and resilience throughout the match.
### Lens Tactics and Formation
Lens Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 5-3-2
- Key Forward: Florian Sotoca
- Midfield Trio: Neil El Aynaoui, Andy Diouf, Adrien Thomasson
- Defensive Lineup: Jonathan Gradit, Malang Sarr, Facundo Medina
- Notable Strategy: Utilizing wide play through wing-backs Ruben Aguilar and Deiver Machado
Lens have opted for a robust 5-3-2 formation to tighten up their backline, especially after struggling defensively in recent matches. Florian Sotoca is the central figure up front, aiming to improve their goal-scoring chances.
The midfield trio, focusing on possession and transition play, will need to bridge the gap between defense and attack. Wide play from Ruben Aguilar and Deiver Machado will be crucial to stretch Rennes’ defense and create scoring opportunities.
Expect Lens to focus on solidifying their defense while seeking to capitalize on counter-attack opportunities.
Rennes Team Analysis
Rennes Recent Performance:
Rennes have displayed a mixed bag of performances in their last five games. Their recent form can be summarised as LWWLW, indicating some inconsistencies. Here’s a quick look at their last five results:
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Rennes | Paris Saint-Germain | 1-4 (Loss) |
| Montpellier | Rennes | 0-4 (Win) |
| Rennes | Reims | 1-0 (Win) |
| Rennes | Lille | 0-2 (Loss) |
| Saint-Etienne | Rennes | 0-2 (Win) |
Rennes have managed to score an average of 1.6 goals in these encounters and secured three clean sheets, showing some defensive solidity amid the fluctuations. While they can be potent upfront, with Arnaud Kalimuendo leading their attack, Rennes’ performances away from home remain inconsistent.
Rennes Key Players
Expected lineup for Rennes:
- Goalkeeper: Brice Samba
- Defenders: Anthony Rouault, Jérémy Jacquet, Lilian Brassier
- Midfielders: Lorenz Assignon, Ismaël Koné, Jordan James, Adrien Truffert
- Attackers: Mousa Tamari, Mohamed Kader Meïté, Arnaud Kalimuendo
Arnaud Kalimuendo is the standout performer for Rennes this season, having netted 11 goals. He will be the key attacking threat to watch.
Another crucial player is Adrien Truffert, who provides width and creativity from the left flank. Additionally, Ismaël Koné’s presence in midfield adds balance and stability.
Key individual battles could include Kalimuendo facing Lens’ solid backline and Brice Samba making vital saves against Lens’ attacks. Keep an eye on these duels!
Rennes Suspensions & Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Alidu Seidu | Cruciate ligament injury | Out for season |
| Dogan Alemdar | Cruciate ligament injury | Late March 2025 |
| Carlos Andres Gomez | Ankle injury | Late March 2025 |
| Ludovic Blas | Thigh injury | Late March 2025 |
| Player | Suspension | Expected return |
| ————- | ———— | —————– |
| Seko Fofana | Yellow cards | 1 match left |
Rennes face several challenges with key players sidelined due to injuries and suspensions. Alidu Seidu and Dogan Alemdar’s season-ending injuries significantly impact the squad’s depth and defensive stability.
Ludovic Blas and Carlos Andres Gomez will also be missed in the midfield due to their injuries, expected to return in late March. Additionally, Seko Fofana is suspended for the match, leading to a major gap in the team’s defensive midfield.
Rennes Tactics and Formation
Rennes Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 3-4-2-1
- Key Forward: Arnaud Kalimuendo, their top scorer with 11 goals
- Midfield Duo: Ismaël Koné and Jordan James provide stability and creativity
- Defensive Line: Comprising Anthony Rouault, Jérémy Jacquet, and Lilian Brassier
- Wingbacks: Lorenz Assignon and Adrien Truffert are expected to push forward and overlap
- Attacking Midfielders: Mousa Tamari and Mohamed Kader Meïté, both critical for breaking defensive lines
- Defensive Strength: Three clean sheets in the last five games
Rennes tend to pack the midfield to control the tempo and build attacks steadily. Their 3-4-2-1 formation provides width and depth, facilitating dynamic wing play and solid central defense. Balancing offensive moves with defensive duties, they’re likely to focus on counter-attacks.
Lens vs Rennes Head-to-Head Statistics
Here’s a look at the recent encounters between Lens and Rennes:
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Rennes | Lens | 1-1 |
| Rennes | Lens | 1-1 |
| Lens | Rennes | 1-1 |
| Rennes | Lens | 0-1 |
| Lens | Rennes | 2-1 |
These meetings have generally been close affairs, often resulting in draws or narrowly decided outcomes. In the last five matchups, there have been three draws and two wins for Lens, showing their slight edge. Fewer than 2.5 goals have been scored in the majority of these clashes, indicating typically tight and competitive games. This historical trend could hint at another closely fought contest on the horizon.
Odds accurate as of 13th March 2025 20:06, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
