Paris Saint-Germain will hope to put their European frustrations aside when they take on Stade Rennais on Saturday.
Still reeling from a frustrating European night, Paris Saint-Germain turn their attention back to domestic duties as they travel to Roazhon Park for a Saturday night clash against Rennes. With a commanding lead at the top of Ligue 1, Luis Enrique’s men aim to maintain their domestic stranglehold, but history suggests that Stade Rennais could be a formidable obstacle.
For all their domestic dominance, PSG continue to stumble when it matters most in Europe. Their latest heartbreak came in the form of a 1-0 UEFA Champions League last-16 first-leg defeat to Liverpool. The Parisian giants had their chances, mounting wave after wave of attack at Parc des Princes, only to be thwarted by a masterclass from Alisson Becker.
The evening’s misery was compounded when substitute Harvey Elliott snatched a late winner for the visitors, leaving PSG with an uphill battle for the return leg at Anfield. As the dust settles on another frustrating European night, Enrique’s side must shift their focus to maintaining their Ligue 1 supremacy.
Despite their continental woes, PSG’s grip on Ligue 1 remains unyielding. They hold a 13-point cushion over nearest challengers Marseille and are unbeaten in the league throughout 2024-25. Their most recent league outing saw them dismantle Lille 4-1, marking their fifth consecutive Ligue 1 win.
Enrique’s side has been particularly formidable on the road, racking up 12 consecutive away wins across all competitions. Even more impressively, they have not tasted defeat in a Ligue 1 away fixture in 36 matches, a streak dating back to February 2023 when they lost to Monaco.
While PSG remain relentless in their domestic quest, Rennes are quietly enjoying a resurgence under new head coach Habib Beye. The former Newcastle United defender has inspired a notable upturn in form, collecting 12 points from a possible 15 since taking charge.
Their latest triumph, a commanding 4-0 demolition of Montpellier, saw goals from Seko Fofana, Djaoui Cisse, Lorenz Assignon, and Arnaud Kalimuendo. Notably, Rennes have kept a clean sheet in all four of their recent victories, signaling defensive discipline under Beye’s stewardship.
Currently sitting in 11th place, Rennes have momentum on their side but remain unable to break into the top ten regardless of Saturday’s outcome. Despite PSG’s undeniable quality, Roazhon Park has been an uncomfortable hunting ground for the champions in recent seasons. Rennes have emerged victorious in three of their last five home meetings against PSG in Ligue 1, proving that they are more than capable of unsettling the capital club.
However, Enrique’s men had the upper hand in their last encounter, securing a 3-1 victory at Parc des Princes in September. While history suggests Rennes could cause problems, PSG’s remarkable away form and attacking firepower make them favorites to extend their domestic unbeaten streak. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Team News & Tactics
Stade Rennais FC
Rennes continue to deal with long-term absentees as defenders Alidu Seidu and Dogan Alemdar remain sidelined due to serious cruciate ligament injuries. Their absence has forced head coach Habib Beye to make defensive adjustments in recent weeks. Meanwhile, Andres Gomez remains a doubt for this fixture as he struggles to recover from an ankle issue.
Further compounding Beye’s selection headache, midfielder Djaoui Cisse, who played a crucial role in Rennes’ dominant 4-0 victory over Montpellier, will be unavailable for selection due to suspension. The 21-year-old must serve a one-match ban for accumulating too many yellow cards. In his absence, either Azor Matusiwa or Ismael Kone is expected to slot into the midfield alongside Jordan James, who provided his first assist in a Rennes shirt last weekend.
Habib Beye is expected to deploy a 3-5-2 formation, featuring Brice Samba in goal. The three-man defence will consist of Anthony Rouault, Lilian Brassier, and Jeremy Jacquet, offering stability at the back. Lorenz Assignon and Adrien Truffert will operate as wing-backs, providing width and defensive cover.
In midfield, Seko Fofana will anchor the central unit alongside Jordan James and Azor Matusiwa, who is likely to replace the suspended Cisse. Their role will be to dictate play and disrupt PSG’s attacking flow. Meanwhile, Ludovic Blas and Arnaud Kalimuendo are expected to lead the line, combining their pace and technical ability to exploit gaps in PSG’s defence.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Samba; Rouault, Brassier, Jacquet; Assignon, Fofana, James, Matusiwa, Truffert; Blas, Kalimuendo
Paris Saint-Germain
Paris Saint-Germain may have suffered a frustrating night in the UEFA Champions League against Liverpool, but they emerged from the clash without any injury concerns. Head coach Luis Enrique has the luxury of a fully-fit squad at his disposal, with no suspensions to factor in for the trip to Roazhon Park.
However, with a season-defining second leg at Anfield looming next week, Enrique is expected to rotate his squad to manage player fatigue. One player who could benefit from these changes is Warren Zaire-Emery, who is pushing for his first start since recovering from an ankle sprain. Desire Doue, Goncalo Ramos, Lucas Beraldo, and Lee Kang-in are also strong candidates to be drafted into the starting XI, while Lucas Hernandez, who has been used sparingly in recent weeks, could return to the defensive lineup.
Luis Enrique is likely to set up PSG in a 4-3-3 formation, with Gianluigi Donnarumma continuing as the first-choice goalkeeper. Achraf Hakimi and Lucas Hernandez are expected to occupy the full-back positions, offering defensive solidity and attacking support down the flanks. Marquinhos, the club captain, will partner Lucas Beraldo at the heart of the defence.
In midfield, Warren Zaire-Emery will provide energy and composure alongside Joao Neves and Desire Doue, with the trio responsible for controlling the tempo of the game and shielding the defence. Up front, Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola are set to occupy the wide attacking roles, offering pace and flair, while Goncalo Ramos leads the line as the central striker, aiming to capitalize on Rennes’ defensive gaps.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Beraldo, Hernandez; Doue, Zaire-Emery, Neves; Dembele, Ramos, Barcola
Key Stats
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Rennes have been PSG’s biggest challengers in Ligue 1 since QSI took over. They have beaten Paris more times than any other team in the league since the 2011/12 season, with a record of 7 wins, 4 draws, and 15 losses.
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Rennes have dominated recent home meetings. They have won three of their last five home games against PSG in Ligue 1 (D1 L1), after previously failing to win any of their previous eight (D2 L6).
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Rennes are in strong league form. They have won four of their last five Ligue 1 matches, bouncing back from a four-game losing streak. That is just one win fewer than in their first 19 league games of the 2024/25 season (W5 D2 L12).
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PSG tend to drop points after UEFA Champions League games. Four of their five Ligue 1 draws this season have come immediately after a Champions League fixture. However, they have won their last three such league matches.
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Rennes have avoided draws at home in recent matches. They have not drawn any of their last ten home Ligue 1 matches (W5 L5), with their last home draw coming in a 1-1 result against Lens on September 21.
Player to Watch
Ousmane Dembele
Ousmane Dembele will be the key figure to watch in this encounter, as the French winger looks to make a decisive impact against his former club. The PSG star has been a lively presence in Luis Enrique’s system, bringing his signature pace, dribbling ability, and unpredictability to the right flank.
Since joining PSG, Dembele has established himself as a crucial attacking outlet, capable of breaking down defences with his quick footwork and creativity. Though his end product has been inconsistent at times, he remains one of the most dangerous players in Ligue 1 when in full flow. His ability to stretch defences and take on multiple defenders will be particularly important against Rennes, who have tightened up defensively under Habib Beye.
Dembele will also have added motivation heading into this clash, given his history with Rennes. The Frenchman came through the club’s academy before making a name for himself in European football, and he will be eager to leave his mark on this return to Roazhon Park. If he can combine his blistering speed with clinical finishing, he could be the difference-maker in PSG’s bid to extend their unbeaten league run.
Prediction
Stade Rennais FC 1-2 Paris Saint-Germain
Rennes’ newfound defensive solidity and home record against PSG make this a potential banana skin for the visitors. However, PSG’s attacking depth and Ligue 1 dominance should see them edge this contest. Expect a competitive encounter, but one where the Parisians ultimately prevail. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-1 win for Luis Enrique and his charges.
