PSG start at Rennes, heavy favourites for Ligue one | OneFootball

Paris Saint-Germain start their title defence on Sunday 23 August at 20:45 away to Stade Rennais, firm favourites for Ligue one despite some late World Cup returnees.

The fixture is in Rennes due to the Parc des Princes pitch. According to Le Progres, PSG also opened away last season, edging Nantes 1-0.

Rennes are a bogey side, winning 3-1 at Roazhon Park last season and collecting nine victories over PSG since the QSI takeover.

PSG have five titles in a row and have impressed in Europe over the past two seasons. Their only August setback was a 1-0 Trophée des champions defeat at Lens, and Enrique stressed Ligue one remains demanding.

This summer they trimmed the squad, sending Randal Kolo Muani to Juventus, Kang-In Lee to Atlético de Madrid and Gonçalo Ramos to AC Milan, and added Ferran Torres from Barcelona, Maghnes Akliouche from Monaco and Mika Godts from Ajax.

Rivals face churn and constraints, with 12 of 18 clubs changing coach. Marseille still need sales to buy, Lyon’s build is cautious despite a Champions League aim, and Lens are cutting costs.

Rennes strengthened with Eliezer Mayenda from Sunderland for €22 million and Charlie Cresswell on loan from Toulouse with a €22.5 million option. After a 3-3 draw with Galatasaray in pre-season, Franck Haise noted Paris have just lost, described them as European champions, and said his side must run more without the ball.

Source: Le Progres

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