It’s definitely a match that is played in special conditions. Forced to hand over the reception of the match due to an impassable pitch at the Parc des Princes, Paris Saint-Germain launches its championship at Roazhon Park against Stade Rennais this Sunday. A match which comes only a few days after his defeat at the Trophée des Champions against Lens. Slightly under tension to start this Ligue 1 season, Luis Enrique did not hide his anger at a press conference this Saturday.
Frustrated by this last minute change and the possibility of playing Rennes twice this season, Luis Enrique called for more fairness at a press conference. On the pitch this Sunday, there should be a form of balance. Indeed, despite the absences of Nuno Mendes, Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye on the Parisian side, as well as those of Mahdi Camara, Breel Embolo and Seko Fofana on the Breton side, the two coaches have almost all of their staff available for this opening clash.
PSG brings out the heavy artillery, Rennes can pose problems
In the ranks of the capital, Matvey Safonov is expected in goal behind a defensive quartet made up of Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho and Lucas Digne. The only real question in midfield concerns the identity of the left relay player, with the press hesitating between Fabian Ruiz and João Neves to support Vitinha and Warren Zaire-Emery. Up front, Ousmane Dembélé should lead the attack, accompanied by Désiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
For its part, Rennes will play in its usual 4-3-3 with Brice Samba in the cage. The defense will see the first start of rookie Charlie Cresswell alongside Aït-Boudlal, flanked by Frankowski and Merlin, while Valentin Rongier will orchestrate the midfield with Sebastian Szymański and Adrien Thomasson. Supported by the Soumaré – Al-Tamari duo on the wings, the inevitable Esteban Lepaul will lead the Breton offensive line with the firm intention of bringing down the reigning champion on this first day. Response at 8:45 p.m.
