| Franck Haise’s side opened their campaign with an action-packed 2-2 draw at home against champions Paris Saint-Germain. They took a 2-0 lead through Sebastian Szymanski and Esteban Lepaul before PSG fought back in the second half. Rennes display dangerous attacking fluidity at Roazhon Park but need greater defensive stability. Newly promoted Le Mans under Patrick Videira also kicked off their Ligue 1 return with a 2-2 draw against Brest. They have proven difficult to beat, maintaining a remarkably strong record of avoiding defeat over recent months, though this trip to Brittany presents their biggest test yet. We could expect from the hosts to dominate possession, build play through Szymanski and Thomasson, and test Le Mans' low block using width and rapid combination play. The guests will likely remain compact, absorb pressure, and target set-pieces or swift counter-attacks via Mafouta. Rennes' superior quality and home advantage should see them take all three points, though Le Mans have the firepower to catch them on the break. |
