Lyon vs. Rennes Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 26 April 2025 - bettingexpert
As we approach the climax of the Ligue 1 season, this upcoming clash between Lyon and Rennes at the Groupama Stadium on 26 April 2025 carries significant weight. Lyon, currently 6th in the table with 51 points, is fighting hard for a European spot. This match is crucial for them, especially after their recent dramatic Europa League encounter with Manchester United. Lyon’s resilience is commendable, having scored in 12 consecutive matches in the league.
Rennes, on the other hand, are sitting mid-table in 10th position with 38 points. While they have little left to play for in terms of league standings, they will be aiming to spoil Lyon’s aspirations. A key factor will be Rennes’ top scorer, Arnaud Kalimuendo-Muinga, who will look to add to his 14 goals this season.
The referee, Marc Bollengier, averages 3.4 yellow cards per match this season, so expect a competitive fixture. Lyon, the bookmaker’s favorite with odds of 1.73, has home advantage and a higher motivation level, making them the recommended bet to win this encounter.
Lyon vs Rennes Prediction & Betting tip
With Lyon fighting for a European spot and Rennes sitting comfortably mid-table, Lyon’s higher motivation and home advantage make them the recommended tip to win this match. Here’s the bet made easy to digest:
| Lyon vs Rennes Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Lyon to win | 1.73 |
- Lyon has scored in 12 consecutive Ligue 1 matches, showcasing their reliable offense.
- Playing at home gives Lyon a significant advantage, enhancing their chance of victory.
- Rennes has less at stake in terms of league standings, which could result in lower motivation.
Lyon vs Rennes Odds
| Lyon vs Rennes Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Lyon | 1.73 |
| Draw | 4.06 |
| Rennes | 4.19 |
With Lyon being the bookmaker’s favourite due to their strong home form and the need to secure a European spot, their odds of 1.73 reflect this advantage.
Playing at Groupama Stadium undeniably boosts Lyon’s prospects, while Rennes’ mid-table position might mean less incentive for them to go all out.
Lyon Team Analysis
Recent Performance WDWLL
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint-Etienne | Lyon | 2025-04-20 | Ligue 1 | 2-1 (Loss) |
| Manchester United | Lyon | 2025-04-17 | Europa League | 3-2 (Loss, Extra Time) |
| Auxerre | Lyon | 2025-04-13 | Ligue 1 | 1-3 (Win) |
| Lyon | Manchester United | 2025-04-10 | Europa League | 2-2 (Draw) |
| Lyon | Lille | 2025-04-05 | Ligue 1 | 2-1 (Win) |
Recent Form: WDWLL
Lyon has had a mixed bag of results lately with 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses in their last five matches. Despite their recent Europa League exit against Manchester United in a thrilling extra-time encounter, they’ve shown strong domestic form. They average 2.40 goals per game over the last five matches, highlighting their offensive prowess, although their defense is still suspect with no clean sheets. Their latest Ligue 1 loss against Saint-Etienne was disappointing, but they will aim to get back on track at home.
Lyon Key Players
Lyon will rely heavily on their star striker Alexandre Lacazette, who has netted 12 goals this season. His experience and clinical finishing make him a constant threat up front, and he will be crucial in breaking down Rennes’ defense.
Rayan Cherki, with his flair and creativity, will be essential in providing service to Lacazette. The young forward has been in exciting form, making him another player to watch.
In midfield, Corentin Tolisso’s presence provides both defensive stability and attacking support, ensuring Lyon maintains control in the middle of the park.
Expected lineup for Lyon:
- Goalkeeper: Lucas Perri
- Defenders: Saël Kumbedi, Duje Caleta-Car, Moussa Niakhaté, Abner Vinicius
- Midfielders: Jordan Veretout, Corentin Tolisso, Tanner Tessmann
- Attackers: Rayan Cherki, Alexandre Lacazette, Georges Mikautadze
Lyon Suspensions & Injuries
Lyon has a few key injuries that could affect their performance against Rennes:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Ernest Nuamah | Cruciate ligament injury | Out for season |
| Nemanja Matic | Hip injury | Early May 2025 |
Ernest Nuamah’s season-ending cruciate ligament injury is a significant blow, especially given his defensive capabilities. Nemanja Matic’s hip injury means Lyon will miss his experience and stability in the midfield for this crucial match. These absences could disrupt their defensive solidity and midfield control, making it essential for the remaining players to step up and fill the void.
Lyon Tactics and Formation
Lyon Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-3-3
- Key Forward: Alexandre Lacazette
- Midfield Trio: Jordan Veretout, Corentin Tolisso, Tanner Tessmann
- Defensive Issue: Zero clean sheets in the last five games
- Notable Strategy: High pressing and quick transitions
Paulo Ferreira prefers a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on a dynamic and aggressive style of play. Up front, Alexandre Lacazette leads the attack, supported by wingers Rayan Cherki and Georges Mikautadze, providing width and creativity.
In midfield, the trio of Veretout, Tolisso, and Tessmann offers a blend of experience, stability, and forward drive. Despite their attacking prowess, the absence of clean sheets indicates a vulnerability in defense that must be addressed.
Expect Lyon to press high and transition quickly to exploit Rennes’ defensive gaps.
Rennes Team Analysis
Rennes Recent Performance
Rennes have had a mixed bag of results in their last five matches, demonstrating both their attacking prowess and occasional defensive lapses. Here’s a look at their recent encounters:
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rennes | Nantes | 2025-04-18 | Ligue 1 | 2-1 (Win) |
| Le Havre | Rennes | 2025-04-13 | Ligue 1 | 1-5 (Win) |
| Rennes | Auxerre | 2025-04-06 | Ligue 1 | 0-1 (Loss) |
| Angers | Rennes | 2025-03-30 | Ligue 1 | 0-3 (Win) |
| Lens | Rennes | 2025-03-15 | Ligue 1 | 1-0 (Loss) |
Recent Form: LWLWW
Rennes have demonstrated solid form with three wins out of their last five matches. Their attacking lineup, led by Arnaud Kalimuendo-Muinga, who has scored 14 goals this season, has averaged 2.00 goals per game in their last five matches. Despite this attacking flair, their defense hasn’t been watertight, managing just one clean sheet in the last five outings. This highlights a potential area of vulnerability that Lyon could exploit. The good form against lower-ranked teams should give Rennes confidence, but they’ll need to tighten up at the back against stronger opponents like Lyon.
Rennes Key Players
Rennes will be banking on their star performers to make an impact in this crucial Ligue 1 match against Lyon. Leading the charge is Arnaud Kalimuendo-Muinga, the team’s top scorer with 14 goals this season. His ability to find the back of the net will be essential against a Lyon defense that has struggled to keep clean sheets in recent matches.
In midfield, Seko Fofana provides both offensive and defensive stability. His battle with Lyon’s midfield could be a deciding factor in which team dominates possession and creates more chances.
Brice Samba in goal will need to be on high alert, given Lyon’s impressive attacking form, averaging 2.40 goals in their last five games.
Expected lineup for Rennes:
- Goalkeeper: Brice Samba
- Defenders: Jérémy Jacquet, Anthony Rouault, Lilian Brassier
- Midfielders: Lorenz Assignon, Azor Matusiwa, Djaoui Cisse, Adrien Truffert
- Attackers: Seko Fofana, Mousa Tamari, Arnaud Kalimuendo-Muinga
Individual battles to watch include Kalimuendo-Muinga against Duje Caleta-Car and Seko Fofana against Corentin Tolisso, both of which could be pivotal to the outcome of the game.
Rennes Suspensions & Injuries
Rennes will be entering the match against Lyon with a few significant injury concerns that could impact their performance. While there are no suspensions to report, the following table summarizes the key injuries:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Alidu Seidu | Cruciate ligament injury | Out for season |
| Dogan Alemdar | Cruciate ligament injury | Mid May 2025 |
| Ayanda Sishuba | Hamstring injury | Early May 2025 |
These injuries, especially in defense and midfield, might affect Rennes’ stability at the back and their ability to control the midfield. The absence of Seidu, a crucial defender, will be particularly felt, putting extra pressure on the remaining defenders and goalkeeper Brice Samba.
Rennes Tactics and Formation
Rennes’ Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 3-5-2
- Key Forward: Arnaud Kalimuendo-Muinga
- Midfield Trio: Azor Matusiwa, Djaoui Cisse, Seko Fofana
Notable Strategy: Rennes has been utilizing a strong midfield presence with their 3-5-2 formation. This setup allows for tighter ball control in the center.
Defensive Alignment: With a three-man backline of Jeremy Jacquet, Anthony Rouault, and Lilian Brassier, Rennes aims for a balanced defense. However, they will certainly feel the absence of injured players like Alidu Seidu.
Attacking Intent: The duo of Arnaud Kalimuendo-Muinga and Mousa Tamari provides a threatening presence up front, supported by wing-backs Lorenz Assignon and Adrien Truffert, who add width to their attack.
Lyon vs Rennes Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rennes | Lyon | 2024-08-18 | Ligue 1 | 3-0 (Loss) |
| Lyon | Rennes | 2024-01-26 | Ligue 1 | 2-3 (Loss) |
| Rennes | Lyon | 2023-11-12 | Ligue 1 | 0-1 (Win) |
| Lyon | Rennes | 2023-04-09 | Ligue 1 | 3-1 (Win) |
| Rennes | Lyon | 2022-10-16 | Ligue 1 | 3-2 (Loss) |
In their last five encounters, Lyon has managed two wins, while Rennes leads with three victories.
These matches have generally been high-scoring affairs, making for an exciting prospect in this upcoming clash.
Historically, Lyon has a decent record at Groupama Stadium against Rennes, despite their recent 2-3 loss at home.
Odds accurate as of 24.04.2025 20:06, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
