Lens welcomes Rennes to the Stade Bollaert-Delelis on Saturday afternoon for a Ligue 1 clash with both teams looking to solidify their European aspirations. The match, kicking off at at 17:00 local time, sees Lens aiming to build on a dominant recent victory while Rennes seeks to address defensive vulnerabilities.
Pierre Sage’s Lens side comes into the fixture buoyed by a 3-0 win over Lille, a result that propelled them to seventh in the Ligue 1 standings with nine points. That victory followed a setback, continuing a pattern this season where Lens has responded strongly after defeat, scoring three goals in both subsequent matches. Currently, they sit just three points off a Champions League qualification spot, a tournament they haven’t participated in since the season.
The availability of key players has significantly boosted Lens’s prospects. Defender Samson Baidoo returns to the squad after being rested during the week, offering a welcome reinforcement to the backline. Florian Thauvin is also back in contention following the completion of a suspension. The arrival of Amadou Haidara, Arthur Masuaku, and Allan Saint-Maximin has added further depth and quality to the Lens roster, all of whom are included in the squad for this match, alongside second-choice goalkeeper Mathieu Gorgelin.
However, Lens will be without Jonathan Gradit and Regis Gurtner due to ongoing injuries, though Gradit has indicated a return is not far off. Jhoanner Chavez and Fodé Sylla have not been selected for the matchday squad, with Sylla seemingly falling victim to increased competition for places following the return of other players. Andrija Bulatovic and Anthony Bermont are also absent from the group.
Rennes, currently eighth in Ligue 1 with eight points, are looking to rediscover consistency after a 2-2 draw against Nantes on . While they managed to secure a two-goal lead in that match, they ultimately failed to hold on for the win, a recurring issue this season. Habib Beye’s team has dropped points in two matches this season after taking the lead, costing them valuable ground in the league table.
Despite the draw, Rennes’s overall points tally after five league games represents their best start to a top-flight campaign since . However, their defensive record is a cause for concern, having conceded eight goals – the most after five matchdays since the campaign. They are currently enjoying their longest unbeaten run in Ligue 1 this year, with three consecutive games without defeat, and will aim to extend that to four on Saturday.
The head-to-head record between Rennes and Lens favors the latter, with Lens having won 40 of their 98 encounters, compared to Rennes’s 31 victories. At Roazhon Park, Rennes holds a slight advantage, having won 26 of their 49 matches against Lens. Pierre Sage has faced Rennes twice previously, suffering defeats on both occasions, while Habib Beye has lost his only previous encounter against Lens.
Lens’s recent form suggests a team capable of scoring goals and responding positively to setbacks. Rennes, while showing glimpses of attacking promise, need to address their defensive frailties if they are to challenge for a European place. The return of key players for Lens provides a significant boost, but Rennes’s ability to capitalize on any defensive lapses will be crucial. This match promises to be a compelling encounter between two teams with clear ambitions for the season ahead.
RC Lens Squad: Risser, Gorgelin, Delplace – Aguilar, Baidoo, Udol, Sarr, Abdulhamid, Ganiou, Masuaku, Antonio – Sangaré, Haidara, Thomasson – Sotoca, Edouard, Saint-Maximin, Thauvin, Saïd, Fofana, Sima.
