Rennes vs Paris FC – News and Probable Lineups

Seeking to recover from last weekend’s setback, Rennes, aiming for a top-four finish, host Paris FC at Roazhon Park in the penultimate match of the 2026 Ligue 1 season.

The Red and Blacks come into this clash following a 4-2 defeat to Lyon on Sunday, the same day Paris FC scored four goals against Brest.

Match overview

Despite facing a challenging match against a Lyon team that is in strong form, sitting just a point ahead of them in the race for direct Champions League qualification, Rennes had their spirits lifted by winning their previous four matches, which would have propelled them into third place with a win.

Franck Haise’s squad showed promise by taking an early lead with Mousa Tamari’s spectacular volley, but they ultimately returned from Groupama Stadium without points after falling behind before halftime, with Esteban Lepaul’s equalizer in the 48th minute providing only a fleeting respite as Les Rouge et Noirs conceded two more goals shortly after.

This outcome denied Rennes a chance to attain a historic fifth consecutive away victory in Ligue 1, ending their five-match unbeaten stretch (W4, D1) and leaving them in fifth place, four points behind the top three and two behind Lille, with Monaco and Marseille also close behind.

A win this weekend could propel the Black and Reds into fourth place, especially as Lille faces a tough match against Monaco. Haise’s team can take confidence from their recent home form, having won four of their last six matches at Roazhon Park (D1, L1).

Moreover, Rennes have been particularly potent in front of goal lately, netting two or more goals in their last five games, and their total of 56 league goals is surpassed only by Paris Saint-Germain (70), Lens (61), and Marseille (59).

Paris FC, on the other hand, has also exhibited sharpness in attack recently, scoring three or more goals in four of their last six fixtures, including an impressive 4-0 win against Brest at Stade Jean-Bouin last weekend, with Rudy Matondo scoring twice along with goals from Willem Geubbels and Luca Koleosho.

This result was a timely response to Les Bleus’ narrow loss to Lille in their previous match, which stands as the capital club’s only defeat in the last 10 league games, during which they have secured five victories after previously failing to win in five straight matches (D4, L1).

Paris’ upturn in form has lifted them to 11th in the standings, comfortably out of the relegation zone, although European qualification now appears out of reach. Antoine Kombouare’s team is focused on finishing in the top half, with just one point separating them from ninth-placed Lorient.

The resilient away record should also serve as a confidence booster for Les Bleus, who remain unbeaten in their last seven league matches on the road (W2, D5), with one of their two victories in this stretch coming from their recent match against bottom-placed Metz.

Nonetheless, historically, Paris FC has struggled in this matchup, failing to secure a win in their last five encounters with Rennes (D2, L3), including a 1-0 loss in the reverse fixture back in November at Stade Jean-Bouin.

Team News

Rennes are expected to be without Liverpool-bound Jeremy Jacquet, who has been out since February due to a shoulder injury, while defender Przemyslaw Frankowski is doubtful due to a muscle issue, and Arnaud Nordin may miss out again.

Lepaul’s goal against Lyon was his league-leading 19th of the season, with the French forward netting in three consecutive matches heading into this contest.

For Paris, Pierre-Yves Hamel and Julien Lopez are still out with calf and back injuries, respectively, though Pierre Lees-Melou returns after serving a suspension.

Ilan Kebbal, who leads Les Bleus with nine league goals, is expected to maintain his role as a number 10 behind Geubbels, who might be given consecutive starts for the first time since January following his goal against Brest.

Rennes probable starting XI:

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

Paris FC probable starting XI:

Trapp; Traore, Coppola, Mbow, Sangui; Munetsi, Matondo; Ikone, Kebal, Simon; Geubbels

Even though Rennes faced a loss in their latest match, their recent performances have been commendable, and facing a Paris team with little left to strive for places the hosts in a favorable position to bounce back positively.

The visitors are also enjoying a strong sequence and may present challenges, but the Red and Blacks’ strong recent record against them could be a key factor in what promises to be a tightly contested match.