Match Overview: Lorient vs Rennes

The Ligue 1 Matchday 2 fixture between Lorient and Rennes is scheduled for August 24 at the Stade du Moustoir. This preview provides an in-depth prediction, betting odds, and key statistics for Lorient vs. Rennes.

Lorient Team Analysis

Lorient’s Recent Form and Home Strength

Lorient began their return to France’s top flight with a narrow 0-1 defeat against Auxerre in their opening match. It’s worth noting that Lorient concluded the previous Ligue 2 season with an impressive run, avoiding defeat in 7 of their last 8 matches (6 wins, 1 draw). Under Olivier Pantaloni, the squad established themselves as the strongest home team in the second-tier French championship last season, securing victory in 15 out of 17 home fixtures (1 draw, 1 loss). Their home goal difference was superb at 49:12, demonstrating their prowess as both the best attacking and defensive side in the league. 

Key Statistics for Lorient

• At least 3 goals were scored in 9 of Lorient’s last 11 matches across Ligue 1 and Ligue 2.
• At home, Lorient netted at least 3 goals in 7 of their previous 8 matches in the second-tier French championship.
• Lorient achieved a (-1.5) handicap victory in their last 5 home games in Ligue 2.

Lorient Predicted Lineup (3-4-3)*

Expected Starting XI for Lorient

Bingourou Kamara – Formose Mendy, Montassar Talbi, Igor Silva – Yoël Mvuka, Arthur Avom, Laurent Abergel, Arsen Kouassi – Tosin Aiyegun, Mohamed Bamba, Pablo Pagis.  

Rennes Team Analysis

Rennes’s Current Form and Away Struggles

Rennes secured a 1-0 away victory against Marseille in their opening matchday fixture. This result extends their impressive run of not drawing a single Ligue 1 game for 27 consecutive matches (12 wins, 15 losses). Notably, Rennes was the least compromising team in the previous French championship, finishing with only 2 draws throughout the season. However, their away performance last season in Ligue 1 was underwhelming, collecting only 13 points from 17 matches – placing them 16th among the league’s away teams. Furthermore, Rennes failed to win in 13 of those 17 away encounters (1 draw, 12 losses).

Rennes Key Statistics

• Both teams scored in 5 of Rennes’s last 7 championship matches.
• On the road, Rennes lost their last 3 away Ligue 1 matches, conceding at least two goals in each.
• A goal was scored in both halves in 5 of Rennes’s previous away games in this tournament.

Rennes Predicted Lineup (3-5-2)*

Expected Starting XI for Rennes

Brice Samba – Anthony Rouault, Jérémy Jacquet, Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal – Quentin Merlin, Przemysław Frankowski, Seko Fofana, Valentin Rongier, Fabian Rieder – Mohamed Meïté, Moussa Al-Tamari.

Team News: Injuries and Suspensions

Defender Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal is suspended for this match. Additionally, defenders Lilian Brassier and Przemysław Frankowski are unavailable due to injuries.

Match Official

Referee Profile: Jérôme Brisard

Jérôme Brisard (France)

Referee Statistics

Matches officiated – 18 (Ligue 1, 2024/25);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 86;

Average yellow cards per match – 3.8;

Red cards shown – 5;

Average fouls per match – 24;

Penalties awarded – 44%.

Match Prediction: Lorient vs. Rennes

Analyzing Team Performances

Both teams faced challenging encounters in the opening round, where their opponents appeared to have an edge. However, Rennes managed to secure three points by scoring in added time during the second half, while Lorient failed to even hold on for a draw. It’s also worth noting that Habib Beye’s team played two-thirds of their match against Marseille with ten men after defender Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal was sent off, yet they still managed to clinch a victory. But that particular match saw Rennes benefiting from home support, where they are traditionally strong, whereas their away form, as mentioned earlier, has been rather weak.

Home Advantage and Head-to-Head

This factor could play a decisive role, as Lorient absolutely dominated their opponents at home last season in Ligue 2. In their last 5 home matches in France’s second-tier league, the team won with a combined score of 21:2. Naturally, the opponents in Ligue 2 were of a lower caliber than Lorient’s upcoming rival, so a repeat of such crushing victories is unlikely. However, Lorient is certainly capable of at least avoiding defeat. It’s also important to consider that the club has beaten Rennes in their last 4 head-to-head encounters in Ligue 1.

Final Betting Tip

Therefore, I consider a double chance bet on the hosts (Lorient win or draw) to be a reliable option. My prediction is ‘Lorient Win or Draw’ with odds of 1.51 .

Important Note

* The starting lineup for each team is based on their previous match in this tournament.