Rennes vs Lens Prediction & Betting Tips (28 September)

Rennes welcome Lens to Roazhon Park this Sunday in a clash that promises more than just points—it’s a test of resilience and tactical recalibration. Jorge Sampaoli’s Rennes side, still smarting from a humbling 4-1 defeat to PSG, are eager to reassert their home dominance. Despite that setback, Rennes have shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in their recent away wins against Montpellier and Saint-Etienne. However, they’ll be without midfield dynamo Djaoui Cisse due to suspension, and defenders Alidu Seidu and Carlos Andres Gomez remain sidelined. Expect Sampaoli to lean on the creativity of Ludovic Blas and the pace of Arnaud Kalimuendo to unlock Lens’ backline.

Lens, under Will Still, arrive buoyed by a dramatic 1-0 win over Marseille, courtesy of Neil El Aynaoui’s third consecutive goal. That victory snapped a five-game losing streak and injected much-needed belief into a squad plagued by absences. The Blood and Gold will be without four suspended starters—Facundo Medina, Adrien Thomasson, Angelo Fulgini, and M’Bala Nzola—forcing Still to reshuffle his formation. With a predicted 3-5-1-1 setup, Lens will likely rely on the industrious Florian Sotoca and the ever-dangerous Wesley Said to spearhead their attack. Their away form has been notably stronger than their home performances, which could play a pivotal role in this fixture.

Historically, Rennes have struggled against Lens, failing to win any of their last nine encounters. Yet, the tide may be turning. Rennes’ home record has been consistent, with goals in each of their last 19 matches at Roazhon Park. Lens, despite their superior win rate this season, have shown vulnerability on the road, conceding in 30% of their away games. The tactical chess match between Sampaoli’s aggressive pressing and Still’s counter-attacking blueprint sets the stage for a tightly contested affair, where individual brilliance could tip the balance.

Our prediction leans toward a 2-1 victory for Rennes, breaking their long-standing drought against Lens. With both teams missing key players, the margins will be thin, but Rennes’ home advantage and attacking depth give them the edge. Expect goals from Kalimuendo and Blas, while Lens may find a consolation through El Aynaoui’s continued hot streak. It won’t be a walk in the park, but Rennes look poised to finally rewrite the narrative in this fixture.