Angers vs Rennes Preview: Team News & Prediction
by Alex Lawes ·
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Angers are expected to be struggling against relegation for much of this campaign once again as they welcome a strong Stade Rennais side to Stade Raymond Kopa.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / USA – beIN Sports
How to watch online: UK – Ligue 1+ / USA – beIN Sports Connect
Angers preview: Expected to struggle
Having managed to fairly comfortably survive relegation in each of the last two seasons, Angers are now expected to struggle this time following the departure of Alexandre Dujeux to Lorient and the appointment of former Paris FC boss Stephane Gilli.
Angers began the season with a 2-0 defeat at home to Lille in their opener before they then eased to a comfortable 3-1 defeat of Auxerre at Stade de l’Abbe Deschamps with goals scored by Branco van den Boomen, Harouna Djibirin and Amine El Ouazzani.
Rennes preview: Strong Rennes
Stade Rennais were much-improved since the appointment of Franck Haise in the second half of last season and they will be expecting to challenge for the top four and the UEFA Champions League spots this season.
Having been 2-0 up against Paris Saint-Germain, the champions did fight back to share a 2-2 draw with Rennes at Roazhon Park before they then entertainingly defeated newly-promoted Le Mans by three goals to two last weekend.
Angers team news: Mouton a doubt
Louis Mouton has succumbed to a knee injury and he is now a doubt for this weekend, while Haris Belkelba is sidelined due to a thigh injury, too.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Lopes; Arcus, Camara, Lefort, Kalulu; Belkhdim, Van den Boomen; Allevinah, Bermont, Sbai; El Ouazzani
Unavailable: Belkelba (Injured)
Questionable: Mouton (Injured)
Rennes team news: Samba a doubt
Rennes do not have any confirmed injury absentees for this weekend but France international goalkeeper Brice Samba is a bit of a doubt, albeit not ruled out.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Lemaitre; Frankowski, Ait Boudlal, Cresswell, Merlin; Szymanski, Rongier, Thomasson; Al Tamari, Lepaul, Soumare
Unavailable:
Questionable: Samba (Injured)
Angers vs Rennes prediction
Angers put in a strong performance against a defensively weak and chaotic Auxerre side last weekend and Rennes could perhaps be put into that bracket given their struggles against Le Mans. The visitors, though, have a very impressive squad and a good coach that will be expected to be very strong this season with them remaining favourites in a potentially entertaining watch for the neutral on Sunday.
Angers vs Rennes tip: Rennes to win & both teams to score
