After their opening day loss to Auxerre, Lorient's top-flight ambitions face another litmus test as they host European hopefuls Rennes in a compelling Brittany derby at Stade du Moustoir on Sunday, 24 August.
Keep close tabs on French Ligue 1 predictions after viewing our key Lorient vs Rennes tips below.
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Lorient vs Rennes prediction: Rennais to inflict loss on Merlus
Key stats
- Lorient are undefeated in seven straight home matches.
- Seven of Lorient’s last eight home games saw over 3.5 total goals.
- Rennes have scored in each of their last seven Ligue 1 fixtures.
- The visitors are winless in two successive H2Hs.
Correct score prediction: Lorient 1-3 Rennes
Ligue 2 champions were dealt a blow on their return to the French top-flight, as Auxerre edged them 1-0 on the opening matchday. The prospect of a second consecutive loss will evoke grim memories of their 2016/17 relegation season – the last time they opened a campaign with two defeats.
Despite their formidable home record in Ligue 2 last term, with an 88% win rate, they face an equally formidable challenge against a confident Rennes outfit fresh from a dramatic late victory over Marseille. With momentum firmly on their side, Habib Beye’s men are poised to secure back-to-back victories for the first time since 2019/20 and comfortably overcome a rival from Brittany for the first time in seven such meetings.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Close call
- HOME: 7/4 (2.75) – 36.3%
- DRAW: 23/10 (3.30) – 30.3%
- AWAY: 6/4 (2.50) – 40%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Lorient will be counting on their positive form on home turf to give them some inspiration. They are backed by odds of 7/4 (2.75), indicating a 36.3% win probability rate in this home fixture..
On the other hand, Rennes have failed to win any of their last six derbies against clubs from Brittany. Nevertheless, they carry 6/4 (2.50) odds – implying a majority 40% chance of success here.
Visit our football betting tips page for more free predictions.
Most recent H2Hs: Can Rennes overturn their miserable H2H form?
Lorient have dominated top-flight H2Hs in recent years, winning each of their last four matches against Rennes, including the last three by a 2-1 scoreline. The last time Rennes won a H2H, they beat the Merlus 5-0 on home turf.
France Ligue 1 03/03/24
Rennes
Lorient
France Ligue 1 22/10/23
Lorient
Rennes
France Ligue 1 27/01/23
Lorient
Rennes
France Ligue 1 07/08/22
Rennes
Lorient
France Ligue 1 24/04/22
Rennes
Lorient
Lorient preview: A few absentees
Isaak Toure and Nathaniel Adjei lead the injury list, while Abdoulate Faye, Bandiougou Fadiga and Noah Cadiou are also doubtful to appear.
Predicted lineup: Kamara (GK), Mendy, Talbi, Igor, Kouassi, Abergel, Avom, Mvuka, Tosin, Bamba & Pagis
France Ligue 2 10/05/25
W
Martigues
1
Lorient
5
France Ligue 2 02/05/25
L
AC Ajaccio
2
Lorient
1
France Ligue 2 26/04/25
W
Caen
0
Lorient
4
France Ligue 2 21/04/25
D
Annecy
0
Lorient
0
France Ligue 2 12/04/25
W
Guingamp
1
Lorient
2
Rennes preview: Two wins in a row?
Ait Boudlal became the first player to be sent off this season against Marseille. In addition to his suspension, Beye will miss the services of Mikayil Faye, Alidu Seidu and Lilian Brassier.
Predicted lineup: Samba (GK), Rouault, Jacquet, Wooh, Rieder, Rongier, Fofana, Merlin, Frankowski, Tamari & Meite
France Ligue 1 10/05/25
W
Nice
0
Rennes
2
France Ligue 1 03/05/25
L
Toulouse
2
Rennes
1
France Ligue 1 26/04/25
L
Lyon
4
Rennes
1
France Ligue 1 18/04/25
W
Nantes
1
Rennes
2
France Ligue 1 13/04/25
W
Le Havre
1
Rennes
5
Player to watch: Ludovic Blas
Blas netted his first goal since February this year with a stoppage-time winner against Marseille at home, minutes after coming on as a substitute. He is now one goal short of reaching the 50-goal mark in Ligue 1.