Verdict: Total goals over 2.5
Best odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: William Hill
On the final matchday of the 2018/19 Ligue 1 season, Rennes welcome Lille to their Roazhon Park stadium on Friday evening.
Rennes
The home side have had a reasonably good season, reaching the round of 16 in the Europa League, but the they haven’t been able to replicate the success of last season domestically, meaning that they won’t be featuring in Europe in 2019/20.
They enter the final game sitting 10th on 49 points, and they cannot finish anywhere else than in the middle of the table. Their form has been a bit shaky recently; they won only one of the last five League games, but they also lost only one and drew the other three.
Team News
Manager Julien Stephan is able to count on defender Gerzino Nyamsi who is back from suspension, but midfielder Benjamin Bourigeaud will miss out with a suspension of his own. Forward Hatem Ben Arfa has been ruled with a hamstring issue. Defender Ramy Bensebaini remains a doubt after missing the last game, and Souleyman Doumbia could come in at left-back in his potential absence.
Lille
In a way, Lille are in a similar situation as Rennes – they absolutely don’t need the points from this game. In every other, the two teams are in very different situations.
The visitors will finish second to champions Paris Saint-Germain and will play in the Champions League next season. They’ve been on very good form recently, with three wins and two draws in their last five games.
Team News
After almost a month out with a hamstring issue, defender Adama Soumaoro is back. The club have, however, confirmed that the season is over for midfielder Xeka.
Young players Boubakary Soumare and Rafael Leao have joined up with their respective countries for the U-20 World Cup and won’t play a part in this match.
Conclusion
With neither team under any pressure to deliver a result from this clash, a relaxed and perhaps adventurous game is to be expected, with a number of goals likely to be scored.
Verdict: Total goals over 2.5
Best odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: William Hill
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