The Aiglons are heading to Rennes this afternoon (3 PM) with the main goal of not letting Monaco and Paris pull away from them.
The Opponent
At the beginning of 2017, the Rennes squad welcomed new additions across almost all lines. The Algerian international goalkeeper Raïs M’Bolhi signed at the beginning of the year. The Niçois Morgan Amalfitano came to bring his experience to the heart of the play. Aldo Kalulu (on loan from Lyon) and Firmin Mubele arrived to bolster an already substantial offensive sector.
While Christian Gourcuff infused new blood into the offensive sector at the start of the year, he maintained his solid defensive backbone. And for a good reason: Rennes has one of the most impermeable defenses in the league. With 27 goals conceded, the Bretons have simply the 5th best defense in the division. In contrast, their attack ranks 15th in a specific hierarchy (23 goals scored), although the talent of their offensive individuals remains a formidable weapon.
The Absentees
For Rennes, Mexer, Raïs M’Bolhi, and Yoann Gourcuff (injured) and Ludovic Baal (suspended) are missing.
On the visitors’ side, the absentees are Ricardo and Olivier Boscagli (injured), Mario Balotelli (feverish), and Malang Sarr (rested).
The Rennes Squad
Goalkeepers: Costil, Gertmonas
Defenders: Mendes, Bensebaini, Cavaré, Danzé, Gnagnon
Midfielders: Fernandes, Chantôme, Amalfitano, André, Hunou, Prcić
Forwards: Mubele, Saïd, Sio, Kalulu, Diakhaby
The Nice Squad
Goalkeepers: Cardinale, Benitez
Defenders: Baysse, Burner, Dalbert, Dante, Le Marchand, Souquet
Midfielders: Cyprien, Koziello, Obbadi, Seri, Walter
Forwards: Belhanda, Donis, Eysseric, Pléa, Srarfi
The Referee
The referee for the match will be Johan Hamel. He will be assisted on the line by Guillaume Debart and Alexandre Viala.
