Rennes host Marseille on Friday night to kick off Ligue 1 round 20. The hosts are just five points back of second-place Marseille and could pull within two points with a victory.
Both clubs are in-form and go into the match confident of leaving Roazhon Park with all three points. This is the second meeting between Rennes and Marseille this season. That fixture finished 1-1 with Marseille coming from a goal down to end the match with a draw.
Rennes are on a five-match winning streak in Ligue 1 keeping three clean sheets during that run. The red and black did play in last weekend in the Coupe de France drawing nil-nil with Amiens.
Marseille are on an eight-match unbeaten run in Ligue 1. They too drew in their Coupe de France match last weekend. Marseille managed a shock 1-1 draw with lower league club Trelissac.
Manager Andre Villa-Boas will be without defender Hiroki Sakai due to a red card suspension. Sakai was sent off versus Trelissac as Marseille narrowly avoided embarrassment. Forward Florian Thauvin is yet to play this season due to an ankle injury.
Thauvin could be back in February; however, reports in France stated Marseille are in need of selling their high-earning players to adjust their financial situation. Thauvin, Dmitri Payet, and Kevin Strootman are all earning more than €420,000 per month.
Rennes have a few injury issues heading into the match. Clement Grenier is listed day-to-day and could overcome his recent injury setback to take part. Jakob Johansson, Jonas Martin, and Metehan Guclu are all listed as injured and most likely won’t play a part in the fixture.
The red and black have won five straight home matches. They have lost just twice at the Roazhon Park and collected 19 points from 27 possible.
Marseille have obtained eight points from their last 18 possible. The south coast team has taken 15 point from 27 possible on their travels.
The last three matches between Rennes and Marseille in Ligue 1 ended in draws. Rennes’ excellent home form and support will help them get a victory on Friday night. The red and black will continue their push to the top two and solidify their Champions League place.
Rennes have kept five clean sheets in seven matches in all competitions. They will keep another clean sheet at home against Marseille at the Roazhon Park. Just nine points will separate Rennes with Paris Saint-Germain with a win over Marseille.