Marseille vs Rennes: Key Clash to Seal Second Place in Ligue 1 – Predictions and Team News Inside!
As the 2024-25 Ligue 1 season draws to a close, the spotlight turns to Saturday’s crucial clash between Olympique Marseille and Stade Rennais at the iconic Stade Velodrome. This match not only has significant implications for the standings but also serves as an opportunity for Marseille to solidify their position as the second-best team in France. Both teams are keen to finish the season strong, making this encounter a must-watch for fans and neutrals alike.
The Stakes Are High
For Marseille, this match is pivotal. A victory would secure their second-place finish in Ligue 1 and a chance to celebrate a successful season that has seen them return to Champions League football after a two-year hiatus. They achieved this feat with a crucial 3-1 victory against Le Havre last weekend, during which star striker Mason Greenwood netted his 20th goal of the season, further solidifying his role as a key player under manager Roberto De Zerbi.
In contrast, Rennes finds themselves in a challenging position. After a series of underwhelming performances this season, the club is at risk of ending in the bottom half of the table, far from their consistent top-six finishes of recent years.
Marseille’s Journey This Season
Marseille has had an impressive campaign overall. Currently sitting second in the league, they have reached a remarkable tally of 70 goals across 33 matches, their highest total at this stage since the 1970-71 season. Notably, they have dominated their encounters with Rennes at home, winning three of the last four matches without conceding a single goal. As they prepare for this final game, the atmosphere is buzzing with optimism, buoyed by their strong home performance and a sense of urgency to secure that coveted second place.
- Current League Position: 2nd
- Goals Scored: 70 in 33 matches
- Last Home Game Against Rennes: Win 2-1
- Overall Home Record: 3 wins in last 4 games against Rennes
Rennes’ Struggles and Opportunities
For Rennes, this season has been a stark contrast to previous campaigns. The club has invested heavily in new players—over €150 million in total—but many of these signings have yet to perform at the expected level. The club’s sporting director recently departed, following a string of disappointing results, making the future uncertain for the team and its next steps. However, under head coach Habib Beye, there is still hope as they look to end the season positively. A victory over Marseille would not only soothe the fans’ unrest but also help secure a respectable finish in the league.
Despite their struggles, Rennes did showcase glimpses of their potential in their recent 2-0 win against Nice, with leading goal scorer Arnaud Kalimuendo finding the net twice. Their ability to perform under pressure can be pivotal in this encounter against a formidable Marseille side.
While sitting at 11th place, with a record that includes only 31.7% of their points coming from away games, Rennes will need to muster all their strength to overcome the odds at Stade Velodrome.
Team News Ahead of the Clash
In terms of team news, Marseille will be without key players Ruben Blanco and Ismael Bennacer, both of whom are nursing injuries. Geoffrey Kondogbia is also a doubt, which could lead De Zerbi to tinker with his lineup. Expected starters could include the likes of Amine Gouiri and Mason Greenwood as they form a potent attacking threat.
For Rennes, they will contend with suspensions and injuries, notably Christopher Wooh. Beye may opt for a 4-3-3 system, hoping to capitalize on set-pieces and counter-attacks to find the back of the net.
Predictions for the Match
Given Marseille’s strong home record and impetus to secure a second-place finish, predictions lean heavily in their favor. The team’s attacking prowess, combined with their defensive solidity at home, sets the stage for an exciting match. While Rennes has displayed some quality, their inconsistency away from home makes them underdogs in this fixture. The expected outcome is a 3-1 victory for Marseille, who are keen to put their stamp on the season and finish strong.
Overall, this clash between Marseille and Rennes promises to be a thrilling encounter filled with drama, tactics, and the urgent quest for points. Football fans will be glued to their screens to see how this story unfolds, and who will come out ahead in the exhilarating world of Ligue 1 football.
As both teams gear up for this heavily anticipated matchup, all eyes will be on the Stade Velodrome, where history, passion, and pride will collide in a fierce battle for the final points of the season.
