Fresh from Europa League group-stage victories in midweek, Marseille and Rennes return to Ligue 1 action on Sunday evening for a contest at the Stade Velodrome.
While the hosts are hoping to end a four-game winless run in Ligue 1, the visitors have only picked up maximum points in one of their last six top-flight matches.
Match preview
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Marseille have qualified for the knockout rounds of the Europa League for the first time since 2017-18 after they beat Ajax 4-3 in a thrilling encounter on Thursday to secure a top-two finish in Group B with a game to spare.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang starred for the French outfit as he scored three goals, completing his hat-trick with a 93rd-minute penalty to help the hosts claim three crucial points in their quest to top Group B ahead of second-placed Brighton, who they will face in their final group fixture in two weeks' time.
Gennaro Gattuso's men have won each of their last three Europa League games, scoring nine goals in the process, but they have endured a difficult run of form in Ligue 1 in recent weeks as they have failed to win any of their last four matches, including a 1-1 draw with Strasbourg last weekend.
Marseille have accumulated just 14 points from their opening 12 Ligue 1 fixtures, their lowest tally at this stage of a season for seven years, and they are currently languishing in 12th place, just three points above the bottom three and six points adrift of the European places.
Les Gones have heavily relied on their strong home form this season and will welcome a return to the Stade Velodrome this weekend, as they have only lost one of their last 11 top-flight matches in front of their own fans, keeping a clean sheet in each of their last four; they are also unbeaten in their last five home league meetings with Rennes which bodes well for Sunday's contest.
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Like Marseille, Rennes have also secured their spot in the Europa League knockout rounds after they cruised to a comfortable 3-0 away victory over Israeli side Maccabi Haifa in Hungary on Thursday.
Martin Terrier opened the scoring with his first goal of the season on the 29-minute mark, before second-half strikes from Amine Gouiri and Fabian Rieder put the game to bed, ensuring that Julien Stephan's side remain in the driving seat to secure top spot in Group F ahead of Villarreal, who have a game in hand.
Rennes have won back-to-back games since the appointment of head coach Stephan - who replaced Bruno Genesio two weeks ago - including a 3-1 home win over Reims in Ligue 1 last weekend, and Les Rouge et Noirs will attempt to win successive top-flight fixtures for the first time this season when they travel to Marseille on Sunday.
The Brittany-based outfit find themselves sitting 10th in the Ligue 1 table after winning just three of their opening 13 games, only one point ahead of Marseille in 12th and five points behind Reims in fifth place.
Rennes have struggled in recent meetings with Marseille as they have only won two of their last 12 encounters versus Les Gones in all competitions, while their last win at the Stade Velodrome was in September 2017 when they came out on top by a 3-1 scoreline.
Team News
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Marseille are still having to cope without midfielder Valentin Rongier who is ruled out for several months following knee surgery, while Pape Gueye continues to serve a FIFA-imposed suspension.
After serving a domestic ban last weekend, Samuel Gigot returned to the first XI in midweek and he is expected to retain his starting spot in central defence alongside Chancel Mbemba against Rennes.
Aubameyang has scored eight goals in all competitions so far this season, but only one has been netted in 12 Ligue 1 appearances. Nevertheless, the Gabonese striker is expected to lead the line, with support potentially provided in attack by Ismaila Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye and Amine Harit.
As for Rennes, Jeanuel Belocian served a Europa League suspension last time out, but he is available to return on Sunday and is set to compete with Warmed Omari and Arthur Theate for a start at centre-back.
Guela Doue is also available for selection after serving a one-match domestic ban last weekend following his red card after just five minutes against Lyon, but the 21-year-old is unlikely to displace Lorenz Assignon at right wing-back.
Arnaud Kalimuendo could replace Bertug Yildirim up front and join Gouri and Terrier in attack, while Rieder, Ludovic Blas and Benjamin Bourigeaud will all be pushing to start after beginning as substitutes in midweek.
Marseille possible starting lineup:
Lopez; Clauss, Gigot, Mbemba, Lodi; Veretout, Kondogbia; Sarr, Harit, Ndiaye; Aubameyang
Rennes possible starting lineup:
Mandanda; Wooh, Omari, Theate; Assignon, Matic, Le Fee, Truffert; Terrier, Gouiri; Kalimuendo
We say: Marseille 2-1 Rennes
Both Marseille and Rennes will enter Sunday's clash in high spirits and will hope to build on their Europa League wins in midweek as they attempt to turn their fortunes around in Ligue 1 and climb the table.
Although there is little to separate these two teams, we believe that Marseille will do enough to come out on top considering their strong unbeaten home run and recent head-to-head record against Rennes.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Oliver Thomas
