Jason Collins
Dailysports's expert
On February 16, Rennes and Lille will close out the Sunday Ligue 1 fixtures in a match that could significantly impact both teams’ seasons. Can Rennes extend their winning streak, or will Lille bounce back from their shock defeat? Here’s my detailed analysis and betting prediction for this crucial encounter.
Rennes
Rennes is enduring a disappointing season, currently sitting 12th in the standings, with a five-point cushion above the relegation zone.
However, they have improved recently, winning two matches in a row:
- 1-0 home victory against Strasbourg, securing the win late in the game.
- 2-0 away win over Saint-Étienne, controlling the match from start to finish.
While these wins provided a small boost in morale, Rennes needs to maintain consistency to avoid getting dragged into a relegation battle.
Lille
Lille is competing for European qualification, currently fifth in Ligue 1, just two points behind the top four.
However, they suffered a shocking 1-2 home defeat against relegation-threatened Le Havre in their last league match, exposing defensive vulnerabilities.
In European competition, Lille finished seventh in the Champions League group stage, securing automatic qualification for the Round of 16, where they will await their opponent.
Their primary domestic goal remains a top-four finish to secure Champions League football next season.
Probable lineups
- Rennes: Samba, Brassier, Wu, Jaquet, Truffert, Cissé, James, Assignon, Blas, Tamari, Kalimuendo.
- Lille: Chevalier, Meunier, Mandi, Alexandru, Gudmundsson, André, Gomes, Haraldsson, Cabella, Akpom, David.
Match facts
- Rennes at home: 6 wins, 4 losses, 1 draw.
- Lille’s away form: Winless in their last 5 away matches (4 draws, 1 loss).
- Betting odds: Rennes 2.81 | Draw 3.20 | Lille 2.69.
Head-to-head (H2H)
First-leg result: Lille won 1-0 at home, in a very dull match with only 9 total shots (3 on target).
Prediction
This is a balanced matchup, with both teams desperate for points—Rennes to move further away from relegation and Lille to stay in the top-four race.
Both teams struggle with goal-scoring efficiency, and their last meeting was a low-scoring affair. Given their recent form and Lille’s inability to win away from home, I expect a cagey match with limited scoring chances. Best bet: Under 2.5 total goals.
