Lyon vs Rennes Prediction & Betting Tips (26 January)

In great danger just a few months ago, Olympique Lyonnais found hope again during the month of December. Les Gones have indeed given themselves a lot of air by winning 3 victories in a row against Toulouse 3-0, AS Monaco 0-1 and Nantes 1-0 in order to leave last place in the ranking. Unfortunately for them, Pierre Sage's men were unable to get back on track in 2024, losing on the Le Havre pitch 3-1 and looking rather disappointing. Also, they fell back into the relegation zone and are now in 16th position, with the same number of points as 15th, Metz. Last week, the Rhodaniens emerged victorious from their Coupe de France duel against Bergerac 1-2 without really reassuring in the content. Opposite, Stade Rennais also did not experience a first part of exercise of any rest.

Not at the level of its expectations, the club from the Breton capital failed badly during the autumn to the point of falling significantly behind in the race for Europe. But like the revival experienced by his opponent of the day, he has shown a slightly more attractive face in recent weeks. Victorious before the holidays against Clermont 1-3, Julien Stéphan's players were then able to win with quite a bit of mastery against Nice 2-0 on the last day in order to move up to 10th place in the ranking. Finally, last week, the Rouge et Noir were able to get rid of OM after a penalty shootout to advance to the 1/8 finals of the Coupe de France.

Midfielder Lepenant is still missing at the moment. Already suspended against Bergerac in the Cup, senior defender Caleta-Car will be absent again this Friday evening. Conversely, his colleague in the defensive sector O'Brien will be allowed to play again. Finally, summer recruit Nuamah and the disappointing Mama Baldé were both eliminated from the CAN this week and they could make their return to the group. This winter, the little-used Kadewere was loaned to FC Nantes and goalkeeper Riou (Paris FC) and winger Jeffinho (Botafogo, loan) also set sail. Conversely, the promising attackers Malick Fofana and Orban (La Gantoise) and the goalkeeper Lucas Perri and the defender Adryelson arrived from Botafogo. With his 8 goals scored in L1, Alexandre Lacazette remains the best offensive asset of this team. Algerian international Gouiri (3 goals) and Swiss midfielder Rieder will not make the trip to Groupama Stadium. Suspended in the Cup, senior defender Theate will make his return but not Cameroonian Wooh who is still playing the CAN with Cameroon.

Young Omari is suspended for an accumulation of yellow cards. Having clashed with his leaders in order to go to Lyon, Serbian midfielder Matic will also be absent and his transfer could be made official in the coming hours. Center forward Kalimuendo (4 goals in L1 and 2 in the Coupe de France) will be present and potentially aligned up front. At his side, the wingers Ludovic Blas (3 goals), captain Bourigeaud (5 goals), and the returning Terrier (scorer in the Cup) will compete for places on the sides while the very good midfielder Le Fée will be present in the axis. Note the arrival in the heart of the game of the very good midfielder from Reims Matusiwa. Defender Seidu, recruited from Clermont, is also expected in the coming days especially since he was eliminated from the CAN with Ghana. To see if he could qualify this Friday.