OL v Rennes, clash to remain on the Ligue 1 podium before the break | OneFootball

Fourth-placed OL host third-placed Rennes at Groupama Stadium on Saturday at 20:45, a direct duel to stay on the Ligue 1 podium before the break.

Both sides returned from Europe in midweek, OL winning 2-1 at Anderlecht, Rennes drawing 0-0 at Sturm Graz. Le Progres reports that Paulo Fonseca views his players’ physical condition as decisive, and he will shape his plan accordingly, noting Rennes are awkward in attack under a coach he admires.

Only Tagliafico and Duranville are unavailable for OL. Fonseca can pick a relatively fresh XI, with only Niakhaté, who went off at half-time, plus Morton and Openda having started in Brussels and played a little over an hour.

There are no notable absences for the visitors, and four players are starting for a third time in a week, goalkeeper Samba, defender Cresswell and midfielders Rongier and Camara. Franck Haise has rotated part of the side that beat OM last time, with scorer Esteban Lepaul, winger Ludovic Blas and defender Anthony Rouault on the bench. Mayenda starts on the left, the Spain under-21 international arriving from Sunderland this summer for €20m.

Recent head-to-heads have brought goals, in the last 10 Ligue 1 meetings the winner scored at least three in nine, 44 in total. Fonseca’s side remain vulnerable at the back.

Source: Le Progres

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