Following an exciting fourth round of Ligue 1 fixtures, and then the international break, teams will come back refreshed and raring to go in their plight for domestic success. Furthermore, we have also seen the end of the transfer window with plenty of late transfer activity before the window shut, so we will get to see many players in action for the first time in what should be an interesting weekend of football.
This Sunday will see Olympique Marseille, who were humiliated by Monaco in their last fixture and will be looking to recover, play host to Stade Rennais, who will be upset but encouraged by aspects of their thrilling 3:2 loss to Toulouse. Can Rennes deal Marseille another blow and get their first three points of the season? Or will Marseille get their season back on track in a game they will be expecting to win?
Why not take a look at our season preview for an in-depth analysis of Ligue 1’s summer activity?
Marseille vs. Rennes
3-Way: 1: Marseille -125; X: +305 Draw; 2: Rennes +459
Spread -0.5: Marseille -133; Rennes +127
Total +2.5: Over -119; Under +114
Marseille
Marseille was embarrassed as they were smashed 6:1 away at Monaco to the dismay of their fans, players, and manager. There was a general theme throughout the game of Marseille being incapable to deal with crosses or set-pieces, with the first goal coming from a set-piece volley from Monaco defender Kamil Glik and poor marking. Monaco’s Falcao will be the main villain in the Marseille players’ nightmares as he scored twice, once with a penalty after a needless challenge and the other a reaction header from a free-kick. A simple pass across goal and finish added a fourth before half-time past a dejected looking goalkeeper Steve Mandanda.
The second half started in similar fashion, with another cross meeting Glik’s head and hitting the base of the post, which was then finished on the rebound by Djibril Sidibe. Thankfully, but ultimately in futility, Marseille scored a consolation goal following a first time cross across goal to Rémy Cabella who passed it in, the goal-scorers last match for the club, although there was a little celebration from an already defeated team. To add to Marseille’s woes, another needless challenge born out of frustration by defender Hiroki Sakai gave away a penalty that was converted to finish an ugly score-line of 6:1 and a disappointing day at the office.
Despite creating the odd chance and a goal, there was no saving grace for Marseille who defended atrociously and were punished by a formidable Monaco forward line, which is surprising considering they conceded just two league goals before their last match. What will be especially disappointing is that they have had a very positive season until their last fixture, making some great additions in the summer, being unbeaten and qualifying for the Europa League. Furthermore, they may have expected to compete with the likes of Monaco this season with their current squad, but they have proven that they are way off the mark. Manager Rudi Garcia will have to pick his side up and look to future fixtures, with a congested list with Europa League games to contend with, but all their upcoming games are winnable, so they can hope to regain some lost momentum.
Marseille made some major late transfer moves, with center-back Aymen Abdennour arriving from Valencia and Greek international center-forward KonstantinosMitroglou, who scored 27 goals in all competitions last season, joining from Benfica. Going the other way was Tomas Hubocan and Rémy Cabella out on loan.
Manager Rudi Garcia will be without center-back Adil Rami (wound) and new signing Konstantinos Mitroglou (muscle) through injury, but will otherwise have a fully fit squad.
Rennes
A winless Rennes were unfortunate to come away from Toulouse pointless after a fascinating 3:2 spectacle. It was Rennes who struck first blood through Firmin Ndombe Mubele after he robbed a crowded Toulouse defense and produced a tidy finish off the post to make it 1:0 after just seven minutes, and mark his third goal of the season. Under half an hour later, Toulouse equalized with a penalty after defender Ramy Bensebaini failed to clear his lines and then tried to stick a leg out to stop the opposition’s attacker, but ended up giving away the penalty.
An even first half preceded another closely-fought second half, with Toulouse taking the lead from a well-worked corner and volley. Rennes were determined to find a way back in and their persistence was epitomized by new signing Ismaila Sarr, as he kept running and hassling a defender trying to shield the ball for his keeper, Sarr then managed to squirm around the defender and poke the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs to make it 2:2.
Then, very stupidly, midfielder Benjamin Bourigeaud gave away a clear penalty after an excessively strong shoulder barge, which angered the Rennes players into a protest in which Morgan Amalfitano went one step too far in their discussion with the referee and was duly sent off. The penalty was consequently converted to dampen the mood of the Rennes camp, although it was a valiant defeat.
It was by no means a poor performance from Rennes, but they will have to try to rid of their defensive mistakes if they are to improve their league position. Attacking-wise Rennes are having no issues, with attacker Mubele starting the season impressively and the team scoring in each of their four games, but also conceding in each of their last four games.
Rennes now find themselves in 19th after four games, which has come as a result of drawing two games that they should have had at least one win in, against Troyes and Dijon. With three difficult fixtures coming up, they may be sticking around the bottom of the table for a little while longer, but the two-times French Cup champions have shown that they have the quality to crawl their way back up to their usual mid-table position later in the season.
Rennes had some late in and outgoings with goalkeeper Tom Koubek joining from Mallorca for 3 million Euros and winger Wahbi Khazri arriving from Sunderland on loan, while defensive midfielder Yacouba Sylla left on loan to Panathinaikos.
Manager Christian Gourcuff will have a full squad selection for Sunday’s match.
Marseille vs. Rennes – MATCH PREDICTION
Marseille will have to quickly get over their last defeat, and the international break probably did them some good. They still have one of the best teams in the league and should be capable of getting the win. Rennes however, are tough cookies and will certainly put up a fight.
In recent fixtures, this has been a tough matchup to predict, with each team winning twice in their last four fixtures. I believe Marseille is a better side this year than last year so should have enough to win at home, but Rennes has a goal or two in them so I would predict both teams to score as well.
MY PICK: Marseille to WIN (-125)
Additional Pick: Both teams to score YES (-115)
