Rennes vs Angers Preview: Team News & Prediction
by Alex Lawes ·
Updated
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Stade Rennais are in the hunt for a top six finish and the European spots in Ligue 1 as they now welcome an Angers side that are firmly in the middle-of-the-table.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – beIN Sports
How to watch online: UK – Ligue 1+ / US – beIN Sports Connect
Rennes preview: In-form Rennes
Ever since the appointment of former Lens and Nice boss Franck Haise, Rennes have been much-improved and generally very impressive as they sit tucked inside the top seven and in the hunt for UEFA Champions League qualification.
The hosts returned from the international break with a thrilling victory against Stade Brest, winning by four goals to three with an Esteban Lepaul brace sandwiched by strikes from Ludovic Blas and Breel Embolo.
Angers preview: Mid-table Angers
Angers have, once again, perhaps performed and punched above pre-season expectations to head into the final few weeks of the season sitting tucked inside the top-half of the table with a very strong defensive setup.
The visitors come into this one on the back of a goalless draw with Olympique Lyonnais at Stade Raymond Kopa last week, meaning that they have now managed just one victory in their last seven matches.
Rennes team news: Nordin a doubt
Liverpool-bound centre-back Jeremy Jacquet is still unavailable for Rennes due to a shoulder injury, while Arnaud Nordin is a doubt, too, for the hosts.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Samba; Ait Boudlal, Seidu, Brassier, Merlin; Blas, Rongier, Camara; Al Tamari, Lepaul, Embolo
Unavailable: Jacquet (Injured)
Questionable: Nordin (Injured)
Angers team news: Couple of injuries
Angers have a couple of confirmed absentees for this one with Marius Courcoul sidelined alongside Haiti international right-back Carlens Arcus, with Harouna Djibirin a doubt.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Koffi; Louer, Camara, Lefort, Ekomie; Belkelba, Van den Boomen; Raolisoa, Belkhdim, Sbai; Machine
Unavailable: Courcoul (Injured), Arcus (Injured)
Questionable: Djibirin (Injured)
Rennes vs Angers prediction
Angers' defensive setup is something they rely upon with a limited amount of quality and intent in attack; as shown by the fact that they have scored just 24 goals thus far - with only Le Havre and Auxerre, both with 23, scoring fewer. Rennes will be, especially with their home advantage, expected to come out on top once again this weekend but Angers will ensure it is probably not as exciting and entertaining as Rennes' victory against Brest last weekend.
Rennes vs Angers tip: Rennes to win
