Lens Vs Rennes

Lens, in pursuit of a European qualification spot, are keen to secure consecutive Ligue 1 victories for the first time since January as they prepare to host Rennes at Stade Bollaert-Delelis in the upcoming gameweek 26 fixture. Having managed to overcome Marseille in their last outing, Will Still's men are eager to capitalize on the momentum gained from that impressive result, with their eyes set on narrowing the gap to Lyon, who currently occupy the final continental qualification position. The Blood and Gold trail the sixth-placed side by six points, and a victory against Rennes would serve as a crucial step in bolstering their aspirations for European football next season.

Their triumph over Marseille was a much-needed boost for Lens, who had been enduring a frustrating spell in Ligue 1 prior to that. A four-match losing streak had significantly hampered their standing in the table, putting their European dreams in jeopardy. However, an inspired performance saw them claim a crucial victory, halting their downward spiral and reigniting belief within the squad. The late heroics of Neil El Aynaoui ensured that Lens secured all three points at the Orange Vélodrome, and the midfielder's rich vein of form has been instrumental in keeping the club's continental aspirations alive. His decisive goal against Marseille marked his third consecutive scoring appearance, underlining his growing influence within the team.

Despite their recent struggles, Lens have been one of the most effective teams on the road this season. Their triumph over Marseille was their sixth away win of the campaign, reinforcing their status as one of the strongest traveling sides in the division. However, their home form tells a different story. Lens have struggled to consistently perform in front of their supporters, enduring a disappointing spell at Stade Bollaert-Delelis. They have suffered defeats in four of their last five home fixtures, with their tally of 14 points from 12 home matches ranking among the lowest in the league. Only a handful of teams, including Nantes, Montpellier, Angers, Reims, and Le Havre, have registered fewer points at home. This underwhelming record has been a significant hurdle in their quest for European qualification, and improving their home performances remains a priority in the latter stages of the campaign.

As they prepare to face Rennes, Lens must address the inconsistencies that have plagued their displays on their own turf. Although their home form has been a cause for concern, history suggests that they might have the upper hand against their upcoming opponents. Rennes have endured a miserable run in this fixture, having failed to secure a victory over Lens since a 1-0 triumph back in February 2015. Their current winless streak against the Blood and Gold spans nine matches, highlighting their struggles in this particular rivalry.

Rennes' poor record against Lens is compounded by their inconsistency away from home. While they have managed to secure notable victories in their most recent trips to Saint-Étienne and Montpellier, those results came after a dismal nine-match run on the road without a win. During that period, Rennes suffered eight defeats, significantly denting their ambitions for a stronger finish in the league. However, under the guidance of Habib Beye, who took over managerial duties following Jorge Sampaoli's departure in January, Rennes have shown signs of resurgence. Beye's impact has been immediate, with his side registering four wins in six league outings since his appointment. This upturn in form has seen Rennes gradually distance themselves from the relegation battle, and their current position in 12th place, eight points clear of the relegation playoff spot and nine points above the automatic relegation zone, suggests that they are on course for a more stable finish to the season.

With relegation concerns seemingly behind them, Rennes can now set their sights on securing the highest possible position in the standings. Their recent resurgence has reinvigorated the squad, and they approach the clash against Lens with renewed confidence. The possibility of securing three consecutive away victories for the first time in over a year serves as an additional incentive for the Red and Blacks. The last time they achieved such a feat was between December 2023 and February 2024, when they defeated Clermont, Lyon, and Le Havre in successive away fixtures. Achieving a similar run this time around would provide further evidence of their resurgence under Beye and bolster their ambitions for a strong finish to the campaign.

Despite their improving form, Rennes will be well aware of the challenges they face when visiting Stade Bollaert-Delelis. Lens, despite their home struggles this season, remain a formidable side with a strong squad capable of delivering results. Their recent victory over Marseille demonstrated their ability to compete against the league's top sides, and they will be eager to build on that performance. The importance of securing a positive result against Rennes cannot be overstated, as it represents a crucial opportunity to stay within touching distance of Lyon in the race for European qualification.

One of the key battles in this fixture will be in midfield, where Lens' in-form Neil El Aynaoui will look to continue his impressive run. The 23-year-old has emerged as a pivotal figure for Will Still's side, and his contributions have been vital in recent weeks. His ability to drive forward and make decisive contributions in the attacking third has added a new dimension to Lens' play, and he will once again be a player to watch against Rennes. Meanwhile, Rennes will be relying on their own creative forces to break down Lens' defensive setup. The likes of Amine Gouiri and Benjamin Bourigeaud will be crucial in orchestrating attacking moves and providing the necessary spark to unlock the opposition's backline.

Both managers will be keen to implement effective tactical strategies to secure an advantage in what promises to be a closely contested encounter. Will Still will be looking to strike the right balance between defensive solidity and attacking fluidity, ensuring that his side does not repeat the mistakes that have led to their home struggles. On the other hand, Habib Beye will aim to maintain his side's newfound momentum, instilling a sense of belief in his players that they can defy their historical struggles against Lens.

The outcome of this fixture could have significant implications for both teams. For Lens, a victory would not only bring them closer to Lyon but also reinforce their belief that European qualification remains a realistic target. On the other hand, Rennes will be eager to build on their recent progress and prove that they are capable of competing against the league's stronger sides. With both teams having plenty to play for, the match is expected to be an intense battle with moments of high drama.

Ultimately, while Lens' recent struggles at home may raise concerns, their impressive performance against Marseille suggests that they are capable of turning things around. Rennes, on the other hand, will be determined to defy the odds and end their long-standing winless run against Lens. With both sides entering the fixture with contrasting motivations and aspirations, the game promises to be an intriguing contest that could have far-reaching consequences in the Ligue 1 standings.