Rennes vs Nantes – News and Probable Lineups

Rennes continues their chase for a Champions League spot as they host Nantes at Roazhon Park in Brittany this Sunday.

After competing in 30 matches, Les Rennais currently sit fifth in Ligue 1, having recorded a 3-0 victory over Strasbourg last week. In contrast, Nantes remains in the relegation zone following a similar defeat to Paris Saint-Germain midweek.

Match overview

There has been a noticeable shift for Rennes, and the management is optimistic about their recent coaching decision.

Under the guidance of Franck Haise, the team has only dropped points in two league matches, their sole loss with the former Nice coach coming against Lille at home (2-1) in mid-March.

This weekend presents an opportunity for them to match their longest winning streak of the current season, which has been four victories achieved on two prior occasions.

With four matches left, they are just one point shy of Lyon, who holds a Champions League spot, and is also one point behind Lille for the qualifying round of that tournament.

If there is a weakness in their recent performances, it has been at home, where they have dropped points in two of their last three domestic games.

Les Rouge et Noirs have triumphed in their last seven encounters against Nantes in all competitions, remaining unbeaten in their previous 12 fixtures against them.

Nantes is putting in a commendable effort but has received little reward, finding themselves precariously close to relegation to Ligue 2.

Managed by the experienced Vahid Halilhodzic, this team has managed to earn points in three of their last four league matches but has not won any of their last seven fixtures.

Reaching the playoffs is likely to be a tough task as they are five points behind Auxerre with just four matches remaining.

In their prior four top-flight games, Nantes has scored only once and has not found the back of the net in their last four consecutive Ligue 1 games away from home.

To avoid relegation, Nantes may need to win all remaining league matches, which is the only way they could match their points total from last season (36).

Les Canaris have yet to secure a victory against any Ligue 1 club currently ranked in the top five, managing only a draw against Rennes last September (2-2).

Team News

For Rennes, Jeremy Jacquet may be unavailable due to a shoulder problem; Przemyslaw Frankowski is doubtful because of a muscle strain, while Valentin Rongier is set to return following his suspension.

Esteban Lepaul currently leads Ligue 1 in goals scored, having reached his 17th of the season, while Breel Embolo and Musa Al-Taamari also scored in Alsace.

On the Nantes side, Fabien Centonze is sidelined with a torn cruciate ligament, and Remy Cabella is questionable due to a leg injury.

Kelvin Almian may also be uncertain, as he is trying to recover from a groin strain sustained earlier this season.

Rennes probable starting XI:

Samba; Seidu, Boudlal, Brassier, Merlin; Blas, Rongier, Camara, Al-Taamari; Embolo, Lepaul

Nantes probable starting XI:

Lopes; Guilbert, Awaziem, Cozza, Machado; Leroux; Tabibou, Sissoko, Lepenant, Abline; Mohamed

Nantes has not performed as poorly as their recent results reflect, but they likely feel disheartened by the lack of outcomes.

In contrast, Rennes is flourishing, having found the consistency that eluded them earlier in the season, and expectations are that they will carry this form into Sunday.