Despite a shocking start to last season, Lyon managed to scrape into the European spots and a better opening set of results could set them up nicely. Rennes faded away in the final few weeks and months but will be roared on by a raucous home crowd to kick off this exciting new campaign.
Contents
Rennes vs Lyon prediction: Battle between two European hopefuls
Key stats
- Both teams have scored in six of the past eight meetings
- Lyon ended last season losing just one of their final 10 league games
- Rennes failed to win any of their three Ligue 1 matches
Correct score prediction: Rennes 2-2 Lyon
There were six goals across the two fixtures between Rennes and Lyon last season, although five of them came when the Gones were at home. Given Lyon had some key players at Euro 2024 and the Olympics this summer, it's unclear what shape they'll be in this early into the campaign.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Hosts tipped to claim a major scalp
- Home: 5/4 (2.25) – 44.4%
- Draw: 12/5 (3.4) – 29.4%
- Away: 21/10 (3.1) – 32.3%
While Lyon finished above Rennes last time out and have enjoyed a rather pleasant pre-season, the bookmakers can see the hosts holding on for a big win. Les Rouge et Noirs have actually won three of their last four home matches against the Gones, which is a very positive sign.
We believe this clash is way too close to pick an outright winner, so we advise sticking to the BTTS market for security. You may feel far more advantageous than us, so do remember to check out our exciting free betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Rennes looking likely winners
The away side dominated this fixture last season, but before that Rennes had been the more favourable side to back when playing Lyon. Les Rouge et Noirs have won five of the last six games against this weekend's visitors which should make for pleasant reading.
Rennes preview: A win is certainly on the cards
Rennes know they must drastically improve their home form if they wish to be contending for a European spot come May next year. Les Rouge et Noirs won just seven home Ligue 1 games last term, something which won't have gone down amongst the fans.
Predicted lineup: Gallon (GK), Hateboer, Omari, Theate, Nagida, Jaouab, Lambourde, Bourigeaud, Gouiri, Marcolino, Yildirimi
France Ligue 1 27/09/24
L
PSG
3
Rennes
1
France Ligue 1 21/09/24
D
Lens
1
Rennes
1
France Ligue 1 15/09/24
W
Montpellier
0
Rennes
3
France Ligue 1 01/09/24
L
Reims
2
Rennes
1
France Ligue 1 25/08/24
L
Strasbourg
3
Rennes
1
Lyon preview: Tricky opening fixture
It took Lyon until November last year to win their first game of the season, so three points away to Rennes would already signal a major improvement. Star striker Alexandre Lacazette was at the Olympics with France so may miss out, but the Gones have plenty of other stars.
Predicted lineup: Lopes (GK), Tagliafico, Niakhate, Caleta-Car, Mata, Tolisso, Matic, Caqueret, Benrahma, Mikautadze, Maitland-Niles
UEFA Europa League 03/10/24
W
Rangers
1
Lyon
4
France Ligue 1 29/09/24
W
Toulouse
1
Lyon
2
UEFA Europa League 26/09/24
W
Olympiakos
0
Lyon
2
France Ligue 1 22/09/24
L
Marseille
3
Lyon
2
France Ligue 1 15/09/24
D
Lens
0
Lyon
0
Player to watch: Georges Mikautadze
Lyon had their captain Lacazette to thank for last season's surge up the table netting 21 goals in Ligue 1, but at the age of 33, it can't expected for him to start every game. So, the signing of Georges Mikautadze could turn out to be a masterstroke.
The Georgian striker starred from January onwards for Metz – who were relegated – scoring 13 goals in just 20 appearances, as well as one against this Sudnay's opponents, Rennes. Mikautadze proved to not just be a one-season wonder by scoring three times at Euro 2024 as he announced himself to the wider footballing world.
