Lens vs Rennes Predictions

• Lens lost 3-2 at Brest in their opener.
• Lens have lost star forward Loïs Openda over the summer.
• Rennes crushed Metz 5-1 last weekend.

Stuttering start for Lens

Lens finished best of the rest last season as they claimed second spot behind Paris Saint-Germain, but matching that achievement may be out of reach this year.

Belgian striker Loïs Openda was Lens’ leading scorer last time out with 21 goals but he made the move to RB Leipzig over the summer and they look light in attack with him.

Les Sang et Or slipped to a disappointing 3-2 defeat at Brest in their opener and they could be in line for another loss on Sunday when Rennes visit.

Rennes have kicked off in style

Rennes opened the campaign with a 5-1 thumping of Metz and unlike their hosts they look to have strengthened well over the summer.

Les Rouge et Noirs captured midfielders Ludovic Blas and Enzo Le Fée in big-money deals and veteran Nemanja Matic has also signed on.

After their confident start to the season and Lens’ loss to Brest, a win for the visitors looks the best option as the main bet.

Clash could be close

Rennes can win here but they are unlikely to win by a big margin. Lens’ home form was incredible last season – they won 17 of their 19 Ligue 1 fixtures at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis – and they should still be a force at this venue even without Openda and departed midfielder Seko Fofana.

As such, a 2-1 win for Rennes looks a reasonable correct score prediction as Les Rennais did concede against Metz and Lens only failed to score in one of their home league games last season.

Young Rennes striker Arnaud Kalimuendo was handed a start against Metz and opened the scoring, putting in a strong performance overall as he managed three shots in total, and he looks a good candidate for an anytime strike in this clash.

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