Ligue 1 strugglers, Rennes, play host to the 2010/2011 champions of France at Route de Lorient on Friday, with both sides in search of some valuable points
The hosts have started the season in worst possible manner and are in the relegation zone, in 18th place. Les Rouges et Noirs finished last season on a respectful 7th position, and more was expected from them this time around, which
they have failed to do so.
Things aren’t looking good for Lille either, with the visitors struggling to find their best form. Rudi Garcia’s side is currently 12th in the league and they have won only once this season.
Les Dogues were third in the previous season, and they were expected to rival the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Lyon and Marseille. However, the Mastiffs have failed to hit top gear so far this season, but they have showed some signs of improvement in recent
weeks.
History
Stade Rennais have played host to Lille 36 times in France's top tier, winning 16 of those games. Lille have won on eight occasions and there have been 12 draws between the two sides.
Last season, at Route de Lorient, Rennes managed to nick a draw, thanks to a last minute goal by http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Turkey-c3026 international, Mevlut Erding.
The hosts do not enjoy a good record against Lille in recent times. Les Rouges et Noirs have only won once in their last nine home meetings with LOSC.
Team News
Stade Rennais
Victor-Hugo Montano is still unavailable because of a foot injury. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chris-c9006 Mavinga, who missed the match against Nancy in Coupe de la Ligue, is still a doubt for the match against Lille.
Striker, Abdoulaye Sané, is set to be on the sidelines for at least couple of months, after injuring his hamstring last week.
LOSC Lille
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Salomon-Kalou-c32266 has served his two-match suspension but will miss the match because of a hamstring problem.
Summer arrival, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Mendes-c25206 is also set to miss the match because of an injury to his right foot.
Players to watch
Yann M’Vila – Rennes
The http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/France-c2899 international has been disappointing so far this season and was dropped to the bench in Rennes’ last game.
However, coach, Frederic Antonetti is a huge admirer of the 22-year-old and has backed the player to return to his personal best.
The Frenchman, who was linked with a move away from Route de Lorient with English Premier League touted as a possible destination, was influential for Les Rouges et Noirs last season, and he needs to regain his top form if Rennes are to get back to winning
ways.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Rio-Mavuba-c31174 – LOSC Lille
The Lille captain has been in tremendous form for club and country this season, and Les Dogues would look to their captain to inspire them to victory at Route de Lorient.
The France international will be vital to stop Rennes from scoring and is expected to play a crucial part on Friday.
Final Prediction
Both sides have struggled this season and are in dire need of a win. Lille were impressive in their previous Ligue 1 outing and another good performance is expected from the 2011/2012 champions of France. However Rennes will give the visitors a tough time,
and a mouth watering encounter is expected.
Final Prediction: Stade Rennais 1-2 LOSC Lille
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