MX23RW : Saturday, December 14 21:16:34| >> :600:120056:120056:
[monks data]
Lens logo
Ligue 1 | Gameweek 4
Aug 27, 2022 at 8pm UK
Stade Felix Bollaert
Rennes

Lens
2 - 1
Rennes

Fofana (66'), Openda (70')
FT(HT: 0-0)
Laborde (90+1')
Doue (44')

Preview: Lens vs. Rennes - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Saturday's Ligue 1 clash between Lens and Rennes, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Two teams who have had strong starts to their respective Ligue 1 campaigns will meet on Saturday as Lens competes against Rennes.

The hosts are currently second in the table, just two points off the league leaders while the visitors are undefeated in their previous two games.


Match preview

Lens defender Jonathan Clauss and Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar in April 2022.© Reuters

Lens have been one of the most impressive teams in the opening three matches of the Ligue 1 season, heading into this game without a defeat.

After a 3-2 victory against Brest to kickstart the season, the squad then showcased their defensive qualities when they picked up a point in a goalless draw against Ajaccio.

The clean sheet is something that Franck Haise will want his team to achieve once again, but the team were back to firing on all cylinders at the weekend just gone.

Lens scored four times against Monaco in a dominant 4-1 victory where the squad showcased all of the qualities that they have.

It is a result that they will want to replicate here, and a win on Saturday does have the potential to see the club finish the weekend as the league leaders.

Rennes coach Bruno Genesio on March 17, 2022© Reuters

Rennes opened their season with a close 1-0 defeat against Lorient, and that was followed up by a 1-1 draw against Monaco.

The squad continued building momentum with their most recent outing against Ajaccio where they picked up their first three points of the campaign.

Bruno Genesio witnessed his team put on an impressive performance with goals from Martin Terrier and Arthur Theate getting on the scoresheet for a 2-1 victory.

It was not a game without issues for Rennes though as they did finish the game with only nine men on the field as Romain Salin and Lesley Ugochukwu were both sent off.

A victory at the weekend would see them draw level on points with their opponents though, which would help them to climb up the table.

Lens Ligue 1 form:
  • W
  • D
  • W

Lens form (all competitions):
  • W
  • W
  • D
  • W
  • D
  • W

Rennes Ligue 1 form:
  • L
  • D
  • W

Rennes form (all competitions):
  • W
  • W
  • L
  • L
  • D
  • W


Team News

Lens' Przemys?aw Frankowski celebrates scoring their fourth goal with teammates on October 24, 2021© Reuters

Lens have been missing a trio of players as of late, with Gael Kakuta, Adam Buksa and Wuilker Farinez all out of action so far.

Despite those problems, the hosts have shown that there is enough quality within the squad to get results, and after such a dominant display against Monaco, it could be an unchanged starting XI used here.

Salin and Ugochukwu are both going to be unavailable this weekend because of suspension, but neither man started in their most recent game, which might not lead to any changes to the starting lineup.

Warmed Omari is close to returning but this match will likely come too soon for him, while Birger Meling is also unavailable because of a thigh injury.

Lens possible starting lineup:
Samba; Gradit, Danso, Medina; Machado, Fofana, Samed, Frankowski; Costa, Sotoca; Openda

Rennes possible starting lineup:
Alemdar; Traore, Bade, Theate, Truffert; Terrier, Santamaria, Tait, Bourigeaud; Laborde, Kalimuendo


SM words green background

We say: Lens 3-1 Rennes

Rennes have been performing well in the opening three games, but Saturday is going to provide a difficult test for the squad against one of the strongest teams in the league so far.

Lens have been impressive with their attacking qualities while also showing defensive capabilities, and they will be the favourites here.


For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.




ID:493033:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect8533:
Written by
Matthew Wilkinson

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Game History

How you voted: Lens vs Rennes

Lens
66.7%
Draw
17.3%
Rennes
16.0%
75
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta on March 19, 2022
Read Next:
Arsenal, Spurs 'interested in Rennes youngster'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Paris Saint-GermainPSG14104037112634
2Marseille1593332181430
3MonacoMonaco1492324121229
4Lille1576225151027
5Lyon147432617925
6Lens156631914524
7Nice146532617923
8Auxerre156362323021
9Toulouse156361717021
10Reims145452018219
11Brest145182026-616
12Rennes144281820-214
13NantesNantes143561620-414
14StrasbourgStrasbourg143562227-514
15Angers143471424-1013
16Saint-EtienneSt Etienne1541101234-2213
17Le HavreLe Havre1440101126-1512
18Montpellier HSCMontpellier1422101336-238


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!