Rennes vs Lorient Prediction & Betting Tips (24 January)

Stade Rennais has just suffered its first poor performance of the new year in the Championship. A little closer to the podium after winning at Lille 0-2 and qualifying for the round of 16 of the Coupe de France at the expense of Chantilly N2; 1-3, the Roazhon Park resident narrowly avoided defeat at home against Le Havre 1-1. A setback for Rennes, winners of 6 of the 7 previous Ligue 1 matches. In 6th place, Habib Beye and his players remain virtually European and are 4 points from the podium. Winner brilliantly in Monaco 1-3, FC Lorient is the other Breton team in form over the period.

After 12th, the promoted player has taken 8 steps ahead of the virtual jump-off and is getting a little closer to his priority objective over the weeks: to win his position. The Merlus are undefeated in the last 7 Championship matches, 3 wins, 4 draws. They remained in a good draw against Strasbourg 0-0 in the exercise, another more frustrating one in front of Metz 0-0 and a victory against Hauts Lyonnais N3; 1-3 qualifying for the round of 16 of the Coupe de France. 

Rennes is spared from injuries and suspensions. The starting defender Jacquet served his sanction in the last match and should find his place in the hinge in this period when Chelsea insist on repatriating him this winter. It remains to be seen whether Szymanski (attacking midfielder), Polish international with Frankoswski, will have arrived from Fenerbahçe. Habib Beye should renew an eleven almost identical to that of the last match, with Lepaul (9 goals in L1) and Embolo (5 goals in L1) associated in attack. The last allowed his team to equalize against Le Havre.

 The infirmary is full in Lorient with the usual absentees Katseris (3 L1 matches) and Touré (no matches) and the holders Faye (central defender), Tosin (3 goals in L1) and Yongwa (piston or central). Also remaining at the dock in the last match, Soumano (4 goals in L1) and the precious midfielder Avom remain uncertain for this Breton derby. Author of the opener in Monaco, Bamba Dieng confirmed his current very good form by scoring in a fourth match in a row. Pagis (5 goals in L1) has not scored in five games.