Stade Rennes vs Olympique Lyon Prediction: The biggest game of the first round?

Stade Rennes and Olympique Lyon are scheduled to face each other in the opening round of the 2024/25 Ligue 1 season. This match will be played at Roazhon Park, home to the Stade Rennes team. The last time these two clubs played against each other, Lyon was at home and Rennes won by 3-2 in the end, while Lyon won the reverse fixture by a lone goal at the Roazhon Park last season. 

Stade Rennes remain one of the top teams in the Ligue 1, and they are looking prepared for the new season. Rennes will take on Olympique Lyon and they are feeling optimistic about their chances of a strong start to the campaign. Rennes was involved in 6 preseason matches prior to the league opener, and they had 4 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat in all 6 matches.

Stade Rennes finished the 2023/24 Ligue 1 season in 10th position with 46 points in total. They recorded 12 wins, 10 draws and 12 defeats in that season.

Rennes have not been shy in the transfer market, but details of new signings or departures have yet to be publicized. With the Bruno Génésio-led team, one expects more build-up from last season's performance for a strong position in Ligue 1 and possibly European spots.

For Rennes fans, though, there are at least some grounds for optimism as the new season draws closer, with the team showing promise during preseason and preparing themselves for some tricky early fixtures.

Olympique Lyon were one of the standout teams last season as they fought back from an early struggle to end at the top half of the table. But this season, they hope for a better start to the campaign, so they can achieve their objectives this season. Lyon travel to Roazhon Park to face Stade Rennes in the first match of the 2024/25 season.

Olympique Lyon finished 6th last season, qualifying for the UEFA Europa league this season. They recorded 16 wins, 5 draws and 13 defeats and a total of 53 points.

Lyon finished their preseason preparations in disarray, though, reassuringly letting the hand of failure along the hands of Arsenal—2-0 with the final friendly. However disappointing it was, that loss was more than welcome as it allowed the team to point out what should be improved further as the season approaches.

They've been more active in the transfer market, boosting their squad with new players. The most notable of these players are Gift Orban, who is willing to have a better performance after facing the hard times of adaptation this season, and Saïd Benrahma, on a permanent deal from West Ham United, which introduced more creativity and depth in this forward line. They also secured Georges Mikautadze, who is hoped to play a key role in their offense.

As the season opens, Lyon is dealing with some injuries. Key players like Samuel Umtiti are coming off surgeries, which could impact their lineup going into the season. Medical staff work around the clock to have these players fit as soon as possible.

In the past 20 matches, Stade Rennais won 9 matches while Olympique Lyon won 8 and 3 matches ended in a draw.

H2H Streaks

Stade Rennais is without clean sheet in 8 consecutive matches

5/6 matches ended with more than 2.5 goals

Both teams scored in 5/6 matches

7/8 matches ended with less than 10.5 corners

Rennes has shown some good form in pre-season and sent off a solid victory over Real Sociedad. Generally, it is very strong at Roazhon Park. Pre-season form from Lyon has been mixed at best, with the loss to Arsenal being most conspicuous. They are still adjusting to new signings and recovering from some key injuries.

Considering their home advantage and solid preseason form, Rennes may have a slight edge, but Lyon's quality and depth will mean that they can still fashion something special if their key men are at the top of their game. It seems to end in a draw or a narrow win whichever way.

• Both Teams to Score at 1.65 Odds
• Stade Rennes Win or Draw and Both Teams to Score at 2.25 Odds
• More than 2.5 Goals at 1.80 Odds