Preview: Rennes vs. Strasbourg - prediction, team news, lineups

The Brittany club have lost two matches in succession but the visiting side are in worse shape, losing three back-to-back games.

Match preview

Rennes hope to end a two-game losing run when out-of-form Strasbourg visit this weekend, as the downturn of form followed an undefeated start to the season.

Be that as it may, five of their seven games finished in draws, underscoring the absence of a killer instinct for Bruno Genesio's men.

However, returning to Brittany should be favourable for a side that began the season undefeated in front of their fans before Paris Saint-Germain ended that four-match sequence.

No team in Ligue 1 has netted more than Rennes' 13 home goals, even if nine conceded is worse than all but Lyon, who have let in 13 goals on their turf.

Getting back on track could happen this weekend, and a side suffering a loss of form could be the opponents Rennes desire to face.

However, Strasbourg could think the same, due to the home side's recent defeats in the competition, especially as Lorient got the better of Rennes last time out to end a five-game winless run.

Patrick Vieira's men have been defeated in three straight games, a statistic damning because of the club's inability to fond the back of the net consistently.

In those defeats by Lens, Nantes and PSG, Strasbourg have found the back of the net once — the 2-1 loss against the Yellow Canaries — leaving Le Racing on eight goals after nine fixtures.

Vieira's men look worse when their away record is put under the microscope, with one goal netted on their travels in four attempts — the 1-0 triumph at Metz relegation-threatened Metz.

Firing blanks in every other road game — 3-0 at Monaco, 2-0 at Nice and 3-0 against PSG — means Strasbourg do not have a prayer in Brittany, but they hope their hosts play with European hangover on Sunday.

Rennes Ligue 1 form:

D

D

D

W

L

L

Rennes form (all competitions):

D

W

L

L

L

W

Strasbourg Ligue 1 form:

L

D

W

L

L

L

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Team News

Rennes have certain absentees, even if Benjamin Bourigeaud is touch-and-go for Sunday's action; the versatile Frenchman is expected to start, nonetheless.

Genesio's side are anticipated to line up in a 4-3-3 in Brittany.

Habib Diarra reportedly missed training on Thursday and could be replaced by Chelsea loanee Angelo on the right flank.

However, Karol Fila is sidelined until the final weeks of the season, while Emanuel Emegha and Maxime Bastian are doubtful for Sunday.

Rennes possible starting lineup:

Mandanda; Assignon, Omari, Theate, Truffert; Bourigeaud, Santamaria, Fee; Blas, Kalimuendo, Gouiri

Strasbourg possible starting lineup:

Sels; Senanya, Perrin, Nyamsi, Delaine; Doukoure, Sissoko, Deminguet; Angelo, Sahi, Bakwa

We say: Rennes 2-0 Strasbourg

Rennes should back themselves for a routine victory over struggling Strasbourg as they seek a return to winning ways after a two-match losing run.

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