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

The visitors, who are one point better off than their hosts, will be attempting to clinch their first away win of the season.

Match preview

Troyes campaign got off to a disastrous start as they lost their opening three matches by a combined 10-3 scoreline.

However, they bounced back on matchday four with a comfortable 3-1 home win over Angers, before they travelled to the Principality to face Monaco in midweek.

Despite falling behind in the 10th minute, goals from Florian Tardieu, Wilson Odobert and Mama Balde helped Troyes take a 3-1 lead.

Youssouf Fofana halved the deficit in the 63rd minute, but Yoann Salmier restored the two-goal advantage to ensure Troyes clinched back-to-back victories.

After scoring seven goals across their last two matches, Bruno Irles's side will believe they have the firepower to claim a third consecutive win.

Like their hosts, Rennes also started the season slowly as they took only one point from their opening two games.

Their first win of the season took place on matchday three against Ajaccio, and although they were beaten by Lens last weekend, they managed to defeat Brest 3-1 in midweek.

Joe Rodon's opener was cancelled by Franck Honorat, but Rennes retook the lead in the 89th minute through Martin Terrier before Desire Doue netted a third in stoppage time to wrap up all three points.

Bruno Genesio will be pleased with consecutive home wins, but the Rennes boss will be looking for his side to improve on their travels after collecting just a point from their opening two away games.

Ahead of Sunday's contest, the visitors will look to draw inspiration from the fact that they have avoided defeat in their last five Ligue 1 meetings with Troyes.

Troyes Ligue 1 form:

Rennes Ligue 1 form:

Team News

Andreas Bruus and Karim Azamoum are ruled for the hosts through injury, while Abdu Conte is a doubt for Sunday's contest.

After beating Monaco 4-2 in midweek, Irles could be tempted to name an unchanged lineup for the meeting with Rennes.

Balde netted his third goal of the season on Wednesday, and the 26-year-old will look to add to that tally when he leads the line.

As for the visitors, Warmed Omari, Jeremy Doku and Arnaud Kalimuendo could also miss out due to injury issues.

Like their opponents, Genesio is also expected to keep changes to a minimum, although Doue may be included in the starting lineup after coming off the bench to score in midweek.

Rodon scored his first goal for the club in the win over Brest, but the Tottenham Hotspur loanee's main focus will be in the defensive third when he lines up alongside Arthur Theate in the central defence.

Troyes possible starting lineup:

Gallon; Balde, Palmer-Brown, Porozo, Salmier, Yade; Odobert, Kouame, Tardieu, Ripart; Balde

Rennes possible starting lineup:

Mandanda; Assignon, Rodon, Theate, Meling; Doue, Santamaria, Tait; Bourigeaud, Sulemana, Terrier

We say: Troyes 1-1 Rennes

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