With a chance to leapfrog Paris Saint-Germain into top spot, Lens welcome Rennes to Stade Bollaert-Delelis on Saturday evening in the latest round of 2025-26 Ligue 1 action.
Both teams endured contrasting cup fortunes last time out as the hosts saw off Troyes to reach the quarter-finals, while their visitors were knocked out by Marseille.
Contents
Lens vs Rennes prediction: More home comfort for Lens
Key stats
- Rennes have lost their last three matches and have failed to score in each.
- Lens have opened the scoring in nine of their last 10 matches; something they will hope to capitalise on against a Rennes outfit that have conceded the opener in each of their last five outings.
- Five of the last seven matches involving this weekend's hosts have produced at least three goals, and another exciting clash could be on the cards here.
Correct score prediction: Lens 2-1 Rennes
Lens have lost just one league game in 10 outings since the start of November, picking up the joint-most points in Ligue 1 (27) during that span.
This has propelled Les Sang et Or into a title race, and we are backing them to continue their quest for glory with maximum points on Saturday.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Hard to look past Lens
- HOME: 4/5 (1.80) – 55.6%
- DRAW: 29/10 (3.90) – 25.6%
- AWAY: 3/1 (4.00) – 25%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Since losing their first home outing of the season against Lyon, Lens have won 10 straight matches in front of their fans across all competitions.
Hence, it is no surprise that Pierre Sage's men are favourites to emerge triumphant this weekend with a win probability of 55.6%.
Off the back of consecutive defeats in their last two away matches by a combined score of 7-0, Rennes will head to Pas-de-Calais aiming to avoid three defeats on the bounce, and their chances of success appear slim with an away win currently priced at 3/1 (4.00).
For more from the upcoming matches, today’s free football betting tips look at some of the best picks.
Most recent H2Hs: Can Lens make it 12 without defeat?
Since returning to the French top flight in 2020, Lens are unbeaten in 11 matches against Rennes, though six of those clashes have ended in draws, including a goalless stalemate in this season's reverse fixture.
France Ligue 1 28/09/25
Rennes
Lens
France Ligue 1 15/03/25
Lens
Rennes
France Ligue 1 21/09/24
Rennes
Lens
France Ligue 1 12/05/24
Rennes
Lens
France Ligue 1 20/08/23
Lens
Rennes
Lens preview: Florian Thauvin back in contention after one-game ban
Thauvin was ineligible to play a part in midweek as his side eased past Troyes 4-2, but the Frenchman is available for this weekend's clash.
However, Lens are still without Jonathan Gradit, Regis Gurtner and Jhoanner Chavez
Predicted lineup: Risser (GK), Ganiou, Antonio, Sarr, Aguilar, Sangare, Thomasson, Udol, Thauvin, Said & Edouard
Lens' last five matches:
- Troyes 2-4 Lens (Coupe de France)
- Lens 1-0 Le Havre (Ligue 1)
- Marseille 3-1 Lens (Ligue 1)
- Lens 1-0 Auxerre (Ligue 1)
- Sochaux 0-3 Lens (Coupe de France)
Rennes preview: Glen Kamara the latest injury casualty
Making his first start of the season, Kamara lasted just 30 minutes in Rennes' cup exit to Marseille, where he had to come off with an injury.
The Finnish international is one of three guaranteed absentees for Saturday's visitors, joining Djaoui Cisse and Przemyslaw Frankowski on the sidelines.
Predicted lineup: Samba (GK), Brassier, Jacquet, Seidu, Tamari, Camara, Szymanski, Rongier, Merlin, Embolo & Lepaul
Rennes' last five matches:
- Marseille 3-0 Rennes (Coupe de France)
- Monaco 4-0 Rennes (Ligue 1)
- Rennes 0-2 Lorient (Ligue 1)
- Rennes 1-1 Le Havre (Ligue 1)
- Chantilly 1-3 Rennes (Coupe de France)
Player to watch – Esteban Lepaul
Only Mason Greenwood and Joaquin Panichelli have scored more Ligue 1 goals than Lepaul's nine this term, highlighting how impressive the 25-year-old has been in his debut season with Rennes.
While Lepaul is yet to find the back of the net in seven games since December 21, he remains one to watch.