Rennes v PSG: Haise and Luis Enrique weigh up key selection calls for Ligue 1 opener

Rennes host Paris Saint-Germain at Roazhon Park on Sunday, 23 August, in one of the most anticipated fixtures of the opening weekend in Ligue 1. Both clubs are expected to use their strongest available squads as they look to begin the French championship with an important victory.

Ahead of the match, Africafoot has outlined the likely starting line-ups for the two sides, with both managers facing selection decisions before kick-off.

Franck Haise is expected to turn to Esteban Lepaul as Rennes’ central attacking threat. Lepaul finished last season as the club’s leading scorer and could be asked to lead the line against the reigning champions.

Valentin Rongier, Rennes’ captain and midfield leader, is set to play a central role in organising the team’s build-up. New signing Charlie Cresswell is also tipped to start in central defence, where his presence would provide additional strength for the home side.

Rennes projected line-up

Goalkeeper: Brice Samba

Defenders: Frankowski, Ait Boudlal, Charlie Cresswell, Nagida

Midfielders: Sebastian Szymanski, Valentin Rongier, Adrien Thomasson

Forwards: Ludovic Blas, Esteban Lepaul, Soumare

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique must also deal with a number of constraints before selecting his team. Nuno Mendes’ suspension means Lucas Digne is expected to begin at left-back, giving the experienced defender an opportunity to start in the opening-day contest.

PSG’s attacking structure could also change because Bradley Barcola is nearing a departure from the club. Desire Doue is therefore expected to feature in the front three alongside Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele.

The visitors are likely to rely on a midfield trio of Warren Zaire-Emery, Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz. That combination would provide the balance between ball retention, defensive work and attacking support as PSG begin their title defence away from home.

PSG projected line-up

Goalkeeper: Matvey Safonov

Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Lucas Digne

Midfielders: Warren Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz

Forwards: Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Rennes’ meeting with PSG will be the Stade Rennais’ first match of the French league season. The fixture gives the home team an immediate test against the reigning champions, while PSG will aim to establish momentum from the start of their campaign.

Betting company 1xBet lists Rennes at 5.60 to win, with a draw priced at 4.90 and a PSG victory at 1.52. The odds make the visitors clear favourites, although Rennes will have home advantage at Roazhon Park and the opportunity to begin the season with a statement result.