Rennes will look to build on their start to the campaign when they welcome the visit of Nantes on Sunday afternoon.
The home side sit just outside the European places in Ligue 1, whereas a stumbling Nantes side are scratching around just above the relegation zone.
Match preview
© Reuters
Just one win from their opening nine outings in the league this season has seen Nantes slip straight down the table, with just one point separating them from the relegation zone.
Their only win of the season so far came against Toulouse all the way back in late August and five matches have come and gone in Ligue 1 since Nantes last took three points.
A Europa League campaign has offered Nantes some respite from their troublesome league campaign, but a leaky defence has cost the Yellow Canaries in Ligue 1 so far.
They have kept just one clean sheet in the league since the opening day of the season, with a whopping seven goals conceded in their last three league outings.
In sharp contrast for Rennes, their opening nine matches have yielded a total of 15 points, with their sights set firmly set on the European places.
Much like Nantes, Rennes are also competing in the Europa League this season and they look set to compete for continental football once again this time around.
A shrewd approach in defence has certainly aided Rennes so far this season, with only three teams in the division having conceded fewer goals than them so far.
It has been a fixture that traditionally favoured Rennes in recent seasons, with Les Rouge et Noir having taken maximum points in five of their last eight competitive meetings.
Granted, Nantes did taste victory the last time that these two sides met in May, with a 2-1 victory securing three points for the Yellow Canaries.
Team News
© Reuters
Managing a mini-injury crisis will be the first task for Rennes ahead of this weekend's fixture, as Kamal-Deen Sulemana is just one of three players out injured.
Sulemana is missing with a bruised knee, whereas Baptiste Santamaria is not expected to be involved due to an ankle injury.
The only other confirmed Rennes absentee is Warmed Omari, who is struggling with a groin problem.
As for Nantes, Fabio da Silva will not be involved as the defender recovers from a sprained knee.
Defensive partner Fabien Centonze is also missing this weekend, with a hamstring problem responsible for his absence.
Rennes possible starting lineup:
Mandanda; Traore, Rodon, Theate, Truffert; Tait, Ugochukwu, Bourigeaud; Kalimuendo, Terrier, Gouiri
Nantes possible starting lineup:
Lafont; Castelletto, Girotto, Pallois; Appiah, Sissoko, Chirivella, Merlin; Guessand, Ganago, Simon
We say: Rennes 2-0 Nantes
Nantes need points rapidly if they are to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle, but this weekend's clash is unlikely to be the match that they start their revival with.
Rennes have been one of the standout teams in Ligue 1 this season and more points will likely be on order for the hosts this weekend.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Amos Murphy
