The Matchday 2 clash in Ligue 1 between Lorient and Rennes will take place on August 24 at Stade du Moustoir. Lorient vs. Rennes: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Lorient
The team suffered a 0-1 defeat to Auxerre in their opening game after returning to the top tier of French football. Notably, Lorient ended last season in Ligue 2 without losing in 7 of their last 8 matches (6 wins, 1 draw). It's important to highlight that Olivier Pantaloni's side was the best home team in the previous Ligue 2 campaign, winning 15 out of 17 home games (1 draw, 1 loss). They also showcased impressive goal difference at home – 49:12, becoming the best attacking and defensive team in the tournament.
- At least 3 goals have been scored in 9 of the club's last 11 matches across Ligue 1 and Ligue 2.
- At home, the team scored at least 3 goals in 7 of their last 8 matches in the second tier of French football.
- Lorient won with a handicap of (-1.5) in their last 5 home games in Ligue 2.
Predicted lineup for Lorient (3-4-3)
Bingourou Kamara – Formose Mendy, Montassar Talbi, Igor Silva – Yoel Mvuka, Arthur Avom, Laurent Abergel, Arsen Kwasi – Tosin Aiyegun, Mohamed Bamba, Pablo Pagis.
Rennes
The club won their away match in the first round against Marseille with a 1-0 scoreline. Consequently, the team has not drawn in Ligue 1 for 27 matches (12 wins, 15 losses). Rennes was the most uncompromising club in last season's French championship, ending only 2 matches in a draw. Away from home in last season's Ligue 1, the team performed poorly, earning only 13 points in 17 matches – ranking 16th among the best away teams in the tournament. Furthermore, Rennes failed to win 13 of their 17 away games (1 draw, 12 losses).
- Both teams scored in 5 of the club's last 7 matches in the championship.
- Rennes lost their last 3 away games in Ligue 1, conceding at least twice in each match.
- A goal was scored in both halves in the team's last 5 away matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Rennes (3-5-2)
Brice Samba – Anthony Rouault, Jérémy Jacquet, Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal – Quentin Merlin, Przemysław Frankowski, Seko Fofana, Valentin Rongier, Fabian Rieder – Mohamed Meite, Moussa Al-Tamari.
Defender Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal will not play due to suspension. Defenders Lilian Brassier and Przemysław Frankowski are unavailable due to injuries.
Referee
Jérôme Brisard (France)
Matches – 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 – 44%.
Lorient vs. Rennes: Match Prediction
Both teams had tough matches in the first round, where their opponents appeared stronger. However, Rennes managed to secure 3 points by scoring in added time of the second half, while Lorient couldn't even hold on for a draw. It's worth noting that Habib Beye's team played two-thirds of the match against Marseille with a man down after defender Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal was sent off and still managed to win. But that game was played with the support of their home crowd, where they are traditionally strong, whereas they struggle on the road as mentioned earlier.
What could play a decisive role is that Lorient simply dominated their opponents at home last season in Ligue 2. In their last 5 home matches in the second tier of French football, the team won with an aggregate score of 21:2. Certainly, opponents in Ligue 2 were of a lower class than the upcoming visitors, so we shouldn't expect more routs. However, Lorient is quite capable of at least not losing. It's also worth considering that the club has defeated Rennes in their last 4 head-to-head encounters in Ligue 1.
Therefore, I consider a bet on the hosts not to lose as a reliable option. My prediction – Lorient to win or draw
