Lens vs Rennes Preview: Team News & Prediction
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On a weekend that features Le Classique, it takes some doing to be viewed with immense intrigue but that is the case as Lens face Stade Rennais at Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – beIN Sports
How to watch online: UK – Cannot be streamed / US – beIN Sports Connect
Lens preview: Title challenging Lens
Under the management of former Olympique Lyonnais boss Pierre Sage, Lens have been surprisingly impressive this season as they sit very much involved in the title race and have only recently been taken over at the top-of-the-table by defending champions Paris Saint-Germain.
The home team did recover from a recent loss to Olympique de Marseille by beating Le Havre by a goal to nil in Ligue 1 last weekend, ahead of then defeating Troyes by four goals to two in the round of 16 of the Coupe de France in midweek.
Rennes preview: Entertaining Rennes
Stade Rennais have been one of the more entertaining teams to watch in Ligue 1 with former Aston Villa and Newcastle United defender Habib Beye at the helm of their push for potential European qualification this season.
Rennes begin the match day still sat inside the top six but they do come into this one on the back of back-to-back losses, having succumbed to a 4-0 hammering at the hands of an apparently resurgent Monaco at Stade Louis II last weekend.
Lens team news: Defensive injuries
Defensive duo Samson Baidoo and Jhoanner Chavez are doubts for this week, while Jonathan Gradit is a confirmed absentee alongside goalkeeper Regis Gurtner.
Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Risser; Ganiou, Antonio, Sarr; Aguilar, Sangare, Thomasson, Udol; Thauvin, Said; Edouard
Unavailable: Gurtner (Injured), Gradit (Injured)
Questionable: Baidoo (Injured), Jhoanner Chavez (Injured)
Rennes team news: A few doubts
Rennes are dealing with a few doubts for this one, with midfield duo Glen Kamara and Djaoui Cisse potentially sidelined alongside the versatile Przemyslaw Frankowski.
Predicted XI (3-5-2): Samba; Seidu, Jacquet, Brassier; Blas, Rongier, Szymanski, Camara, Merlin; Embolo, Lepaul
Unavailable:
Questionable: Kamara (Injured), Cisse (Injured), Frankowski (Injured)
Lens vs Rennes prediction
Rennes' loss to Marseille in the cup after that defeat to the Monegasque means they are now winless in four matches across all competitions. Lens have put their defeat to Marseille to one side, too, and with their home advantage they should be fancied to beat a Rennes side that appear to have just lost that chaotic and attacking spark that had made them so impressive earlier on in the campaign.
Lens vs Rennes tip: Lens to win
