Rennes vs Lyon Prediction & Betting Tips (18 August)

Despite rather substantial financial resources committed during the last transfer window periods, Stade Rennais did not manage, for the first time in 7 years, to obtain a ticket for a European competition last year. The fault lies in a very disappointing 10th place obtained on the evening of the last day after a very complicated end to the year. Of course, this is a major failure for the Rouge et Noir who will therefore be expected to turn the corner this season to try to do better, especially since they will only have the championship to concentrate on. Still under the orders of Julien Stéphan, the Bretons will play numerous friendly matches this summer. First held in check by US Saint Malo 3-3, Rennais won against Angers 2-1. They will then face Guingamp, Real Sociedad and Werder Bremen. For their part, Olympique Lyonnais had a completely incredible season last year.

Dead last and dropped in the race to maintain the evening of the 14th day, the Gones were able to find the resources to not only get out of the red zone, to reach the final of the Coupe de France where they were beaten by the PSG 1-2, but also to snatch the final 6th place in the ranking, synonymous with qualification for the Europa League. A major feat for Pierre Sage's men that no team has achieved in the history of this championship. Of course, the Rhone residents will want to start this new year much better in order to, why not, join the race for the podium next May. During their summer preparation, the Lyonnais won against Wattens 2-3 but they lost against Sankt Pauli 1-0. They will still face Torino, Union Berlin and Arsenal.

Not always very convincing despite real qualities, midfielder Le Fée took charge of Roma while promising defender Belocian joined Bayer Leverkusen just like the very good Terrier (7 goals, 3 assists). More surprisingly, the Swiss international was loaned to Stuttgart and the full-back Guela Doué left for Strasbourg. After a rather successful loan from Troyes, Turkish goalkeeper Alemdar could compete with the aging Steve Mandanda while Assignon (Burnley, return from loan) is also back in Brittany. Defender Jaouab was recruited from Amiens while Finnish midfielder Kamara (Leeds), Dane Gronbaek (Bodo/Glimt) and central defender Ostigard (Naples) also arrived at La Piverdière. The usual executives of the Rouge et Noir are still present like Bourigeaud (9 goals, 6 assists last year), Terrier (7 goals, 3 assists) and Gouiri (7 goals, 3 assists). The nugget Désiré Doué (4 goals, 4 assists) is also still in the squad but she played in the Olympics with the French team just like the left side Truffert and the center forward Kalimuendo (10 goals).

On the Lyon side, the The impressive Lacazette (19 goals last season) decided to continue the adventure with his favorite club despite the sirens of Saudi Arabia. Overall, the former Gunner was the only one to survive from a statistical point of view last season. He also played the Olympics with the Bleuets just like his young partner Rayan Cherki (1 goal, 6 assists) who is announced at the start. During the transfer window, Brazilian full-back Henrique (free) and Irish defender O'Brien (Everton) left the club as did Kadewere (Nantes) while Mangala (Nottingham Forest), Mama Baldé (Troyes), Caleta-Car (Southampton ), Benrahma (West Ham) and Nuamah (Molenbeek) have been definitively enrolled. Also note the arrivals of central defender Niakhaté (Nottingham Forest) and left back Abner (Bétis) and that of Georgian striker Mikautadze (Metz) who posted excellent statistics in a team in difficulty last season (14 goals , 4 assists in 22 matches).