After months of waiting, Ligue 1 is back in action this weekend. Starting off the games is side Lille and Rennes with each with a Champions League slot. The match schedules for Saturday with kickoff at 10 pm.
After the early curtailment of the Ligue One over coronavirus fears, Lille secured the third spot in the standings. This was one point short of third-placed Rennes that secured Champions League football this season.
Christopher Galtier was gassing up a wonderful start to Ligue 1 picking up six wins in the last seven games. This was before the unceremonious closure of the Ligue 1. Lille will feel more incentivized to break into the top three in the French League.
Throughout the 2019-20 campaign, Lille managed to suffer only two home defeats. However, the buildup to the pre-season has elicited mixed reactions from fans. Their last outings to AZK Alkmaar and Brest ended in losses. The side recently lost their talisman Osimhem to side Napoli after a big-money move.
Rennes, throughout their 119-year history in Ligue 1, finally secured Champions League football this season. Before the shutdown, Rennes ended in a triumphant 5-0 win over Montpellier. Despite picking only one win in their last five matches, it was more than enough to seal the top-four finish in Ligue 1.
Lille vs. Rennes Head to Head
Both sides have 33 games against each other with Lille taking home ten wins while Rennes with 11 wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
Lille 1-2 Brest
AZ Alkmaar 2-1 Lille
Lille 2-0 Anderlecht
Club Brugge 2-0 Lille
Royal Excel Mouscron 1-2 Lille
Away
Nice 3-2 Rennes
Rennes 3-0 St. Etienne
Brest 1-2 Rennes
Lorient 1-1 Rennes
Angers 0-1 Rennes
Lille Team News
The only injury worry at the minute is forward Timothy Weah recovering from a hamstring injury. Fast-rising forward, Victor Osimhen finally secured a big-money move to Napoli. Defender Gabriel Magalhaes is close to securing a move to side Arsenal. This might see new signing Jonathan David earn his first start.
Rennes Team News
Stephan has no injury worries ahead of the start of the new campaign. Rising sensation Eduardo Camavinga is attracting interests across Europe. Martin Terrier, who made a 5-year move from Lyon sets to make his debut.
Prediction and Odds
The clash between the two sides promises to be nothing but mouthwatering with each side looking for a fresh start.
Lille Win
Both Teams to Score
Goals 2.5
