Rennes vs Lorient prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2022-08-06 15:05.
Plenty of optimism surrounds Rennes ahead of this season, after another successful league campaign last term saw them finish just outside the Champions League spots in fourth, their fourth top-six finish in the last five seasons. Their tally of 66 points, 20 home wins, and 82 goals scored was their best ever output in a top-flight season, laying a solid platform for coach Bruno Génésio to build on.
The Red and Blacks have suffered some casualties though, losing inspirational centre-back Nayef Aguerd, although the signing of Athur Theate and the experienced Steve Mandanda ensures security in defence. Kickstarting their campaign against Lorient may be just what they need, given they’re undefeated in the last six H2Hs (W5, D1), keeping a clean sheet in all five wins.
As for Lorient, another long campaign aimed at avoiding relegation is tipped by most analysts, with consecutive 16th place finishes since earning promotion only cementing that claim. An exodus of veterans took place in the summer allowing more youthful players to break into the first team, meaning a more energetic Lorient side is expected to grace Ligue 1 this campaign, especially since only two of their outfield players are over 30 years of age.
Hitting the road to open the season won’t inspire confidence for the fans of Les Merlus, with their total of 12 points won away from home last season the lowest in the league. On a positive note, their new manager knows all about travelling to Rennes, as all of Régis Le Bris’s 32 Ligue 1 appearances came with the east Brittany club.
Players to watch: Rennes top-scorer last season Martin Terrier has scored three goals in four league appearances against Lorient, whose Terem Moffi will be looking to get his side off to a good start as he netted his side's opener in six of his seven goalscoring outings last term.
Hot stat: Rennes opened the scoring in a league-high 16 of their 19 home matches last season (W14, D1, L1).