PSG will be eager to keep their top spot on the Ligue 1 table when Rennes come visiting after dropping their first points the last time out.
Luis Enrique will not have been all satisfied after PSG dropped their first points in the Ligue 1 season as he prepares his team to take on Rennes this weekend. The Parisians had a 100% start to life in all competitions until that game against Reims, as they boasted a two-point advantage at the top of the domestic standings.
However, Reims had other ideas, as Keito Nakamura’s early goal pinned the visitors back, and it took a goal from Ousmane Dembele midway through the second period to bring parity. The game ended 1-1, as PSG managed to retain their top spot with a superior goal difference, while Marseille and AS Monaco managed to close that two-point gap and bring the points tally level at the top.
PSG have an excellent chance to take an early lead in the standings as they play an early game this weekend. They host Rennes, who can hurt Enrique’s side, something the Spanish manager will hope does not pan out that way and that his team secures the three points.
Julien Stephan’s Rennes have started the season in a mixed way, securing two wins and a draw, as they sit comfortably in a mid-table position. Indeed, they will aim for a higher place and eventually would want to finish the season in some European spot at the very least.
Rennes faced RC Lens the last time out in Ligue 1 and managed to drop points. Arnaud Kalimuendo’s first-half penalty seemed like enough to get the three points, only for Lens’ M’Bala Nzola’s time a the death in second-half injury time ensured the spoils were shared. Now, Rennes come to Paris for a tough away test, their most challenging of the season, as the manager will aim for a shock result here.
Team News & Tactics
PSG
Luis Enrique will need up to six players for this home clash with Rennes. Gianluigi Donnarumma, Goncalo Ramos, Presnel Kimpembe, and Marco Asensio are all out for at least a few weeks. Meanwhile, PSG will also be without long-term absentee Lucas Hernandez, who will stay out at least until January.
There are further doubts about Nuno Mendes and Desire Doue, with the latter being taken off in the previous clash midway through the second half. Even if Doue is nearly fit, there are doubts whether Enrique will take his chances with the attacker, as any further problem could deplete his attacking depth.
Enrique will rely on the attacking prowess of Dembele and Bradley Barcola, with the dup having a hand in eight of the 17 goals scored by PSG so far. While they are still without a recognised striker, it’s safe to assume Randal Kolo Muani will be best placed to do that.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Sofanov; Hakimi, Pacho, Marquinhos, Mukiele; Neves, Ruiz, Zaire-Emery; Dembele, Kolo Muani, Barcola
Rennes
Rennes will come into this clash without at least three critical stars. Jota, Andres Gomez, and Dogan Alemdar are all out with injuries. There are further doubts over Alidu Seidu, who played over 94 minutes the last time out before coming off. Hence, there is a big chance for Leo Ostigard to come into the starting lineup.
Ostigard will have Christopher Wooh as his central defensive partner, with Hans Hateboer and Adrien Truffert are the options in the full-back roles. Albert Gronbaek and Azor Matusiwa are the choices in central midfield,
Julien Stephan will prefer Ludovic Blas and Glen Kamara in the wide areas in what may appear like a 4-4-2. Last weekend’s goalscorer Arnaud Kalimuendo will lead the line alongside Amine Gouiri in a two-prongoed setup.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Mandanda; Hateboer, Wooh, Ostigard, Truffert; Blas, Gronbaek, Matusiwa, Kamara; Kalimuendo, Gouiri
Key Stats
- Paris Saint-Germain are undefeated in their last seven matches in Ligue 1.
- PSG are ahead on goal difference in the Ligue 1 table after AS Monaco and Marseille managed to match their points tally.
- Rennes have not picked a single point on their travels this season.
- Rennes have two wins and one draw from their opening five games of this season in Ligue 1.
Player to Watch
Ousmane Dembele
Yet another game where Dembele proved decisive as he popped up with a crucial goal to keep PSG’s unbeaten start to the season going. With Goncalo Ramos unavailable and Kylian Mbappe no longer at the club, the onus has fallen on Dembele’s lap.
Luis Enrique shielded Dembele from criticisms last season when he had a slow start to life as a PSG player. But now, he will look to get a repayment from the winger. Dembele needs to keep nup his consistent form in front of goal, and also help those around him, as he could become PSG’s undisputed star this season.
Prediction
PSG 2-1 Rennes
Rennes are not in the worst run of form, although their primary desire would be to secure their first away points this season. They have managed two wins this season in Ligue 1, which does keep them in a comfortable position in mid-table, but they will need a big performance in Paris to topple Luis Enrique’s men.
PSG will feel pretty comfortable heading into this clash, but they will want to get back to winning ways to maintain their lead at the top. Another set of dropped points, as well as good results for their rivals elsewhere, would put the pressure, as Enrique will get his three points and an early lead in this week’s standings in Ligue 1.