The Parisians host Rennes at Parc Des Princes to increase the point gap at the top of the Ligue 1 table.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Stade Rennais Football Club (Rennes) are two prominent football clubs in France that compete in the top-tier Ligue 1. The two teams have a long-standing rivalry that dates back several years, and their matches are always eagerly anticipated by fans of both clubs. Despite the difference in trophy haul, Rennes has often been a thorn in the side of PSG, and their matches are known for their intense and competitive nature. The first meeting between PSG and Rennes took place in 1972, and since then, the two teams have played each other over 50 times in all competitions. PSG has dominated the head-to-head record, winning over 70% of their meetings.

While PSG has been the dominant team in French football in recent years, Rennes has shown that they are more than capable of competing with the best teams in the league. Their matches against PSG are always closely contested and full of drama, making them a must-watch for fans of French football. Rennes will look onto climbing up the league table to secure a top-four spot.

Kick-Off

Sunday, 19-03-2023 (09:35 PM IST)

Sunday, 19-03-2023; (04:05 PM GMT)

Paris Saint-Germain form (all competitions): W-L-W-W-W

Rennes form (all competitions): D-L-W-L-W

Player to Watch

Paris Saint-Germain: Lionel Messi

When PSG enters the field against Rennes, Lionel Messi will be the apparent threat. The World champion can conjure up magic and change the waves of the game on his own. He has 10 goals and 10 assists in 18 league games for the team. With exceptional dribbling abilities, the 35-year-old can wiggle out of difficult circumstances and knock opposing players out of the game.

Rennes : Amine Gouiri

Gouiri has been one of Rennes’ finest performers this season. Gouiri has become a key player for the club since his arrival, starring as a forward and adding goals and assists. This season, the Frenchman has 10 goals and 3 helpers in 21 appearances. He can certainly find the back of the net if PSG does not contain him well.

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Match facts

  • Paris has dropped three of their last six Ligue 1 meetings against Rennes. PSG’s only loss in the top division this season came in the reverse match.
  • Rennes has maintained a clean sheet in each of their last two Ligue 1 road games after conceding at least one goal in each of their previous four.
  • Paris has allowed at least one goal in eight of their last nine Ligue 1 games, but they have scored four goals in their last two home games.

Injury and team news

Paris Saint-Germain will not have a few players available for selection like Kimpembe and Neymar. Moreover, Mukiele is also set to miss out on the clash. As for Rennes, they won’t have the services of Xeka suffering an injury of ankle ligaments and Terrier who is suffering from an ACL Injury. The only fitness issue troubling them more is Assignon is out due to a knee injury as well.

Head-to-Head stats

Matches – 49

PSG – 23

Rennes – 16

Draws – 10

Predicted lineup

Paris Saint-Germain predicted lineup (4-3-1-2)

Gianluigi Donnarumma, Timothee Pembele, Sergio Ramos, Marquinhos, Juan Bernat, Danilo, Marco Veratti, Vitinha, Lionel Messi, Mbappe, Ekitike.

Rennes predicted lineup (4-3-3)

Mandanda; Traore, Wooh, Rodon, Theate, Truffert; Bourigeaud, Tait, Santamaria, Doue; Gouiri.

Prediction

PSG and Rennes’ rivalry is one of the most fierce and competitive in French football. While PSG has traditionally been the more successful side, Rennes has shown that they can contend with the best and has previously created issues for the Parisian club. With both teams packed with talented players and ardent supporters, their matches are always avidly awaited and provide football fans with an exciting show. But PSG will look to clinch a win and increase the point gap at the top like they usually do.

Prediction: PSG 2 – 1 Rennes

Telecast

India – Voot App, Viacom 18 network

UK – BT Sport

Nigeria – Canal+, TV5Monde

USA – beIN Sports, TV5Monde

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