Rennes will host Olympique Lyonnais this Sunday for the 30th matchday of Ligue 1, and coach Roland Courbis has revealed a 20-man squad for the clash. The French side is preparing to face a strong Lyon team, and Courbis is aiming to maximize his squad’s depth and versatility to compete effectively at Roazhon Park.
One key absence is Yacouba Sylla, who was expected to return from a knee injury but will continue his recovery. His absence leaves a gap in the midfield, but Rennes has options to compensate for his missing presence. Among the positive notes for the home side is the inclusion of Ousmane Dembélé, the highly talented young winger who has been drawing attention from top European clubs. Despite his young age, Dembélé has shown remarkable skill, pace, and technical ability, and his inclusion in the squad demonstrates Rennes’ commitment to utilizing their most dynamic players for this crucial encounter. Courbis and his staff will continue to monitor him closely due to the growing interest from clubs abroad, but for now, Dembélé is expected to be a key figure in Rennes’ attacking plans.
The goalkeepers selected are Benoît Costil and Abdoulaye Diallo, both capable of commanding the defensive line. Costil has been a consistent presence for Rennes, providing experience and leadership from the back, while Diallo offers reliable backup in case of injury or rotation needs. The team’s defensive unit boasts several options: Sylvain Armand, Ludovic Baal, Romain Danzé, Fallou Diagne, Joris Gnagnon, Pedro Mendes, Steven Moreira, and Mehdi Zeffane. This group combines experience, versatility, and youth, allowing Courbis to adjust formations and strategies depending on the flow of the game. Players like Armand and Danzé offer leadership and tactical awareness, while Gnagnon and Zeffane bring athleticism and energy to the backline.
In midfield, Rennes can rely on the likes of Benjamin André, Gelson Fernandes, Yoann Gourcuff, Juan Fernando Quintero, and Sébastien Salles-Lamonge. This group provides a balance of defensive solidity, ball distribution, and creative flair. Gourcuff and Quintero are capable of orchestrating attacks and linking the midfield with forwards, while André and Fernandes provide the grit and stamina necessary to challenge Lyon’s midfield engine. Salles-Lamonge, on the other hand, offers youthful energy and flexibility, giving Courbis tactical options during the match.
The attacking options include Jérémie Boga, Ousmane Dembélé, Kermit Erasmus, Kamil Grosicki, and Pedro Henrique. This forward line is both diverse and dynamic. Boga and Dembélé offer blistering pace and dribbling ability, capable of destabilizing any defensive line. Grosicki provides experience and crossing quality, Erasmus adds physicality, and Henrique brings finishing prowess. Together, this group ensures that Rennes has multiple avenues to break down Lyon’s defense, whether through quick counterattacks, wide play, or set-piece situations.
Overall, Courbis’ squad selection highlights a blend of experience and youthful talent, with a strong emphasis on tactical flexibility. Rennes will aim to use their squad depth effectively to challenge Lyon at home, hoping to secure a vital victory in Ligue 1 and strengthen their position in the league standings. The inclusion of key attackers, the depth in midfield, and a solid defensive foundation will be crucial to their approach against one of the league’s most competitive sides.
