Lille seek revenge on Rennes in Ligue 1 opener

There will be no easing your way into this Ligue 1 season if you are Lille or Rennes, two clubs familiar with the top end of the division face off in their opening encounter on Saturday night. Both have had modest pre-seasons, filling the large gap left by Ligue 1 when most other European leagues resumed to much attention towards the end of the COVID-19 lockdown. The visitors stole the final Champions League qualification spot by pipping Lille to third place by one point, causing a lot of frustration given the hosts had secured a second-place finish in 2018/19.

Defensive solidarity

Both sides despite having plenty of attacking talent were more successful compared to rest of the division in defensive areas last season. Compared to eighth and seventh for goals for, they ranked fifth and third for goals against with putting the ball in the net a struggle at times. Lille finished second in the expected goals table with Rennes sixth according to Understat, suggesting that they were a better team than results suggested. 36-year-old Euro 2016 winner Jose Fonte put in another strong campaign for Christophe Galtier’s side.

Marquee signings

With the hosts losing top scorer Victor Osimhen to Napoli they have spent the last couple of months sourcing a replacement. They had agreed personal terms with Rangers marksman Alfredo Morelos however it seems like in the end they have gone for highly rated young gun Jonathan David. The 20-year-old joined the club for just under £30million from Gent and looks the real deal, banging in 11 goals in just 12 caps for Canada.

Having transitioned between attacking midfield and playing as an out and out striker David contributed 23 goals and 10 assists in all competitions. With the experience of former Lyon, Marseille, and Chelsea striker Loic Remy in Les Dogues’ ranks, Lille could be the perfect place for the Canadian to learn and kick on to the next level.

To compliment the likes of M’Baye Niang and Raphinha, Rennes brought in wideman Martin Terrier from Lyon. The left sided forward is approaching 100 games in Ligue 1 aged 23 and is a good signing to ensure the Red and Blacks compete for the top three once again. He scored 17 goals in two seasons with newly pronounced semifinalists and in that his signature will be weakening a direct rival to Julien Stephan’s men. It will be interesting to see these two on their debuts.

It is a very evenly matched encounter with one goal either way likely to swing it. Lille edge it on paper for me.

Lille – Rennes Betting Tip

Double Chance Lille to Win or Draw + Under 2.5 goals with bet365 at odds of 1/1 or 2.00.

Bet Double Chance Lille to Win or Draw + Under 2.5 goals on Bet365