Rennes host Paris Saint-Germain at Roazhon Park on Sunday, 23 August, in one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures of the opening weekend in Ligue 1, with both sides expected to field their strongest available teams as they look to begin the new campaign with a statement victory.
The meeting brings together two of the leading clubs in French football on the first matchday of the season. Rennes will have home advantage, but face the reigning Ligue 1 champions in a demanding opening fixture, while PSG will be expected to handle the pressure that comes with beginning their title defence away from home.
Franck Haise is expected to select Esteban Lepaul as Rennes’ central striker. Lepaul, the leading scorer last season, is viewed as the principal attacking threat in the projected home line-up.
Valentin Rongier, who is expected to captain the side, should anchor the midfield and take responsibility for directing Rennes’ play. New signing Charlie Cresswell is also tipped to start in central defence, where his presence is expected to add greater strength to the back line at Roazhon Park.
Rennes probable line-up
Goalkeeper: Brice Samba
Defenders: Przemysław Frankowski, Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal, Charlie Cresswell, Nagida
Midfielders: Sebastian Szymanski, Valentin Rongier, Adrien Thomasson
Forwards: Ludovic Blas, Esteban Lepaul, Soumare
PSG manager Luis Enrique must deal with several selection complications before the match. Nuno Mendes’ suspension means Lucas Digne is expected to start at left-back, bringing experience to the champions’ defence.
There is also a potential change in the attacking unit. With Bradley Barcola’s departure believed to be imminent, Desire Doue is expected to operate in the forward line alongside Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele.
PSG’s midfield is projected to feature Warren Zaire-Emery, Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz. That trio would provide the visitors with a combination of youth, technical ability and experience as they attempt to control the match away from home.
Marquinhos is expected to lead the defence, with Willian Pacho alongside him in central defence. Achraf Hakimi completes the anticipated back four, while Matvey Safonov is listed to start in goal.
PSG probable line-up
Goalkeeper: Matvey Safonov
Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Lucas Digne
Midfielders: Warren Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz
Forwards: Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
The fixture will be Rennes’ first league match of the season and offers an immediate test against PSG. The visitors are strong favourites with bookmaker 1xBet, which lists Rennes at 5.60 to win, a draw at 4.90 and a PSG victory at 1.52.
Those odds underline the difference in expectation between the two teams, although Rennes’ home advantage and the significance of the opening-day fixture could make the contest considerably closer than the betting suggests.
