Having dispatched PSG before the international break, Rennes will look to claim another important scalp when they host Lens. Fifth placed Rennes trail third-placed Lens by seven points. As such, both clubs have aspirations of playing Champions League football next season.
Team News
Rennes
- Defender Adrien Truffert was forced off after five minutes against PSG last time out. Therefore, Birger Meling is expected to deputise for Truffert.
- Rennes will also be without the injured quartet of Jeremy Doku, Lorenz Assignon, Martin Terrier and Xeka.
- Tottenham’s loanee Djed Spence will continue to operate at right-back. Meanwhile, former PSG youngster Amaud Kalimuendo will continue to lead the line.
Lens
- Currently, Lens has five players sidelined due to knee injuries. Jimmy Cabot, Wuilker Farinez, Facundo Medina, Wesley Said and Steven Fortes are all expected to miss the trip to Rennes.
- Adam Buksa also remains absent. The Poland international only made four substitute appearances before sustaining a nasty ankle injury last year.
- Goalkeeper Brice Samaba aims to keep a 12th league clean sheet of the season this weekend when he guards the net against Rennes.
Possible Lineup
Rennes: Mandanda; Spence, Omari, Wooh, Theate, Meling; Doue, Bourigeaud, Ugochukwu, Toko Ekabmi; Kalimuendo
Lens: Samba; Frankowski, Gradit, Danso, Haidara; Abdul Samed; Sotoca, Thomasson, Fofana, Openda; Fulgini
Prediction Analysis
With both sides challenging for European football, we expect Rennes and Lens to play out a tight draw at Roazhon Park, where the hosts have lost just three of their 14 league matches this season.
Our prediction is Rennes 1-1 Lens