Lyon and Rennes set for Ligue 1 clash with key players available

Olympique Lyonnais host Stade Rennais at the Groupama Stadium in the fifth round of Ligue 1, with both sides targeting a strong start to the weekend’s top-flight fixtures.

The two teams come into the match after European commitments in midweek and will meet with ambitions of challenging near the top of the table. Neither squad has reported any major injury problems following their respective matches.

Lyon expected to name strong side

Olympique Lyonnais have no significant new absences to contend with after their convincing midweek victory. The club’s medical situation remains largely unchanged, leaving the coaching staff with a full selection of established options.

Dominik Greif is expected to start in goal, with Zachary Athekame, Clinton Mata, Moussa Niakhate and Abner Vinicius forming the defence.

Tanner Tessmann, Pavel Sulc and Tyler Morton are in line to operate in midfield, while Ernest Nuamah, Lois Openda and Corentin Tolisso are the anticipated attacking trio.

Lyon’s probable XI: Dominik Greif; Zachary Athekame, Clinton Mata, Moussa Niakhate, Abner Vinicius; Tanner Tessmann, Pavel Sulc, Tyler Morton; Ernest Nuamah, Lois Openda, Corentin Tolisso.

Rennes squad also largely intact

Stade Rennais manager Franck Haise can likewise rely on a squad without any major injury concerns or suspended players ahead of the fixture.

The only uncertainty surrounds Alidu Seidu, whose place in the group is in doubt as discussions continue over his future. His availability could therefore affect the final selection for the trip to Lyon.

Brice Samba is expected to start in goal. Przemyslaw Frankowski, Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal, Charlie Cresswell and Mahamadou Nagida are the likely defensive line.

Adrien Thomasson, Valentin Rongier and Mahdi Camara are set to form the midfield, with Mousa Al-Tamari, Esteban Lepaul and Ludovic Blas expected to lead the attack.

Rennes’ probable XI: Brice Samba; Przemyslaw Frankowski, Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal, Charlie Cresswell, Mahamadou Nagida; Adrien Thomasson, Valentin Rongier, Mahdi Camara; Mousa Al-Tamari, Esteban Lepaul, Ludovic Blas.

The Ligue 1 meeting is set to take place at the Groupama Stadium as the fifth round of the French championship gets under way. The match pits two sides with full squads, subject to the uncertainty over Seidu, against one another after their midweek European outings.

Pre-match odds list Olympique Lyonnais at 2.10 to win, with a draw priced at 3.70 and a Stade Rennais victory at 3.20.