Lorient vs Rennes prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2023-01-26 20:00.
A victory on penalties at Bastia in the Coupe de France was a welcome boost for Lorient, who after just one win in nine league games (D4, L4) have fallen behind in the race for a top-five finish. However, a win would not only move Lorient to within two points of fifth-placed Rennes, but it would also see them complete a first H2H double since 2010/11 after winning the reverse fixture 1-0 on matchday one.
Courage and grit sealed the reverse H2H result, and Les Merlus may need a repeat performance if they are to end their winless five game run at home in Ligue 1 (D2, L3). That sequence has contributed to them winning just 14 of their 32-point haul this season at home, with their task made harder recently by conceding first and failing to net before half-time in their previous three home outings, a scenario seen in their last two meetings (L2) with Rennes at Stade du Moustoir.
Rennes recently breathed new life into their chase for a Champions League spot, vanquishing PSG 1-0 to come into the round within five points of third-placed Marseille. While that win was precious, history has been unkind to sides ending matchday 19 in fifth place lately, with five of the last six campaigns seeing such teams finish outside the top-five!
While a 1-0 cup elimination at Marseille last weekend surely ruined Rennes’ chances of domestic silverware this term, that shouldn’t affect the visitors’ confidence up front, given that was their first failure to score since August’s loss to Lorient. It perhaps comes as little surprise then that Rennes’ last 16 Ligue 1 away matches have seen both teams score. But where there’s goals, there’s cards too, as a majority (five) of the last nine clashes in that run also saw dismissals either way!
Players to watch: West Ham target Terem Moffi has scored in the previous two league rounds, but his last three strikes have put Lorient ahead in a match they failed to win! By contrast, Hamari Traoré’s maiden goal of 2022/23 was enough to see Rennes vanquish PSG and secure a tenth win in 11 goalscoring career games (D1).
Hot stat: Lorient are the only Ligue 1 side yet to concede at home between the 31st-60th minute.