Rennes vs Auxerre – News and Probable Lineups

Rennes will look to maintain their home unbeaten streak this season as they prepare to take on Auxerre at Roazhon Park in Ligue 1 on Sunday.

Last time out, Stade Rennais fell to fifth place in the standings following a significant 4-0 defeat against Lyon, while Auxerre climbed to 10th with a 2-1 victory over Brest.

Match overview

Rennes exhibited an atypical performance during matchday five, experiencing their first loss of the season.

In that match, Franck Haise’s squad conceded as many goals as they had in total over their previous five competitive fixtures this season (five).

This Sunday, they aim to remain unbeaten in their opening four league matches at Roazhon Park for the second consecutive season.

In the current campaign, they have taken the lead in all but one of their league matches, dropping only two points when they did so.

They have had consistent scoring chances, ranking third in the league for big chances created (19), though they have also missed the third most big opportunities (16).

Les Rouge et Noirs are looking to extend their unbeaten streak against Auxerre to three matches in this competition, following two games last season where they scored multiple goals.

Although Will Still had a challenging start to his role as Auxerre manager, he has seen his players recover from their early struggles.

The ex-Southampton coach suffered defeats in his first three league matches, allowing a total of 11 goals during that period.

Since then, they have improved defensively, winning their last two league encounters while conceding just one goal.

A win this weekend would match their longest winning streak in Ligue 1 this season (three).

Still has the opportunity to secure his first away victory in Ligue 1 with AJA on Sunday, which would be only their second domestically since March.

AJA has taken points from five of their last six visits to Roazhon Park, managing a 2-2 draw in this fixture last season.

Team News

The only uncertainty for Stade Rennais this weekend revolves around Djaoui Cisse, who may be a game-time decision due to an ongoing groin strain.

Esteban Lepaul achieved his international debut for França during the latest international break and will aim for his first Ligue 1 goal since matchday two this weekend.

On the Auxerre side, Marvin Senaya is doubtful because of a hamstring issue, while Bryan Okoh and Assane Diousse are on the mend from cruciate ligament injuries, and Christ Makosso will serve a suspension.

Cameron Archer found the net against Stade Brestois, with a late own goal from Raphael Le Guen helping them secure the win.

Rennes probable starting XI:

Samba; Frankowski, Ait Boudlal, Cresswell, Merlin; Rongier; Mayenda, Camara, Thomasson, Al-Taamari; Lepaul

Auxerre probable starting XI:

Diop; Diomande, Tuanzebe, Akpa; Sy, Faivre, Danois, Oppegard; Loader, Archer, Lascary

This match will be a significant assessment of the progress made by the Auxerre defense, and there are concerns regarding their defensive vulnerability against a quick and skilled attacking team like Rennes.