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Ligue 1 Preview: Stade Rennais – Girondins de Bordeaux
Les Rouge et Noir will want to further expose the chinks in les Girondins’ armor that were displayed by lowly Boulogne last weekend.
Feb 5, 2010 8:00:00 AM
By Robin Bairner
Kick Off: Saturday, February 6, 2010. 21:00 CET
Stade de la Route de Lorient, Rennes
Underperforming
For several years, Rennes have enjoyed the status of being one of France’s biggest clubs. The Bretons have floated around the European places on a regular basis, though actually breaking into the top three has always proven a bridge too far in recent campaigns. After significant summer investment, most notably in Ismael Bangoura, there was optimism that they could act as dark horses in the title race.
Languishing in a relatively disappointing eighth, Rennes are not to be discounted from a podium finish yet, but they cannot afford too many more set-backs. Frederic Antonetti’s side have been the masters of underachievement this term, throwing away cheap points against weaker opposition and toiling especially away from home.
They approach Saturday night’s encounter with Bordeaux in a positive mood, having defeated Saumur in a Coupe de France match 4-0 a fortnight ago and having enjoyed similar success against Ligue 1 whipping boys Grenoble last week. Such riches will not come nearly so easily against a unit gradually becoming famed as one of the most efficient in Europe.
Possessing a wealth of attacking talent, Rennes certainly have the ability to threaten any side, but their goals this term have tended to come in threes and fours, with too many nils and ones thrown into the bargain. At the back they are doing the necessary, having conceded only 19 times in 22 league games. A more effective balance will need to be struck if they are to threaten the French champions though.
Thanks For The Memories
Arguably the defining match of Girondins de Bordeaux’s successful title push last season came away to Rennes. Facing opponents who had not lost at home all season deep into April, Laurent Blanc’s men trailed almost immediately as Romain Danze fired home in the first minute. When Marc Planus was controversially sent off before the half hour mark, it seemed les Girondins’ strong title push had gone off the rails.
But Bordeaux displayed remarkable character to turn the fixture around, with Yoann Gourcuff firmly to the fore against his formative side. He followed an equalizer from Yoan Gouffran with a goal 20 minutes from time that seemed to have won the match, which was yet to take its most dramatic twists. Moussa Sow leveled less than 60 seconds from the end of normal time before a Gourcuff special claimed the most unlikely of victories.
Rennes has generally been a happy hunting ground for Bordeaux of late, with Blanc’s men also recording a 2-0 success at the venue in the previous campaign.
Back in the present, Bordeaux boast a six point lead at the summit of Le Championnat. Prior to last weekend’s match with Boulogne-Sur-Mer, the Aquitaine side enjoyed an eight point cushion but les Marin et Blanc were unable to break the strong resistance of their guests, having to settle for a scoreless draw.
Such frustrating evenings are rare for Bordeaux nowadays. They continue to chase four titles, with a 1-0 Coupe de la Ligue win over Sedan on Tuesday taking them to the last four of that competition. Three points at the weekend would be another significant step towards another league crown.
FORM GUIDE
Rennes
WON 4-0 (h) Grenoble (Ligue 1, January 30)
WON 4-0 (a) Saumur (Coupe de France, January 22)
DREW 0-0 (a) Saint-Etienne (Ligue 1, January 19)
DREW 1-1 (h) Racing Club de Lens (Ligue 1, January 16)
LOST 3-1 (a) Lille (Coupe de la Ligue, January 13)
Bordeaux
WON 1-0 (h) Sedan (Coupe de la Ligue, February 2)
DREW 0-0 (h) Boulogne-Sur-Mer (Ligue 1, January 30)
WON 3-2 (a) Le Mans (Coupe de la Ligue, January 26)
WON 5-1 (h) AC Ajaccio (Coupe de France, January 23)
WON 3-1 (a) Grenoble (Ligue 1, January 20)
TEAM NEWS
Rennes
Coach Frederic Antonetti will probably have the luxury of choosing from a fully fit first team squad. The only player missing due to injury or suspension is expected to be goalkeeper Cheikh Ndiaye, who has spent this term as second or third choice.
Petter Hansson is back after sitting out last weekend due to suspension, while Uwa Echiejile and Asamoah Gyan both return after African Cup of Nations service. Neither is expected in the first team.
Probable Starting XI: Douchez; Fanni, Hansson, Mangane, Danze; Tettey, M’Vila, Lemoine; Bangoura, Briand, Marveaux
Bordeaux
Like Rennes, Bordeaux have a strong panel to select from. Indeed, Laurent Blanc’s men are not expected to have any selection worries at all. A weakened side was played in the Coupe de la Ligue, so expect les Girondins’ stars to be fresh and hungry to impress.
Probable Starting XI: Carrasso; Chalme, Planus, Ciani, Tremoulinas; Diarra, Fernando; Plasil, Gourcuff, Wendel; Chamakh
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Rennes
Sylvain Marveaux spent the vast majority of last term on the sidelines due to serious injury. The 23-year-old wide player has bounced back impressively, showing his great potential frequently this season. He already has a bundle of goals to his name, including a couple of spectacular efforts, and has been one of the most consistent performers this term for the Bretons.
Bordeaux
Left-back Benoit Tremoulinas has enjoyed a breakout season, enjoying widespread recognition for his scintillating performances down the flank. An attack minded full-back whose crossing is frequently pinpoint, he actually leads Le Championnat in decisive passes, boasting a tally of seven. To have such a danger from a defensive area is rare, and it makes the 24-year-old a vital component of this Bordeaux vintage.
PREDICTION
Rennes are a side with definite potential, though they have no allowed it to flourish over the course of the season. Only in patches have les Rouge et Noir performed to near their potential. While the Bretons generally draw or lose if they’re not at their best, Bordeaux tend to find a way to win. Laurent Blanc’s men should ensure their rivals know that last weekend’s draw was simply a blip.
Stade Rennais 0-1 Girondins de Bordeaux
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Stade de la Route de Lorient, Rennes
Underperforming
For several years, Rennes have enjoyed the status of being one of France’s biggest clubs. The Bretons have floated around the European places on a regular basis, though actually breaking into the top three has always proven a bridge too far in recent campaigns. After significant summer investment, most notably in Ismael Bangoura, there was optimism that they could act as dark horses in the title race.
Languishing in a relatively disappointing eighth, Rennes are not to be discounted from a podium finish yet, but they cannot afford too many more set-backs. Frederic Antonetti’s side have been the masters of underachievement this term, throwing away cheap points against weaker opposition and toiling especially away from home.
They approach Saturday night’s encounter with Bordeaux in a positive mood, having defeated Saumur in a Coupe de France match 4-0 a fortnight ago and having enjoyed similar success against Ligue 1 whipping boys Grenoble last week. Such riches will not come nearly so easily against a unit gradually becoming famed as one of the most efficient in Europe.
Possessing a wealth of attacking talent, Rennes certainly have the ability to threaten any side, but their goals this term have tended to come in threes and fours, with too many nils and ones thrown into the bargain. At the back they are doing the necessary, having conceded only 19 times in 22 league games. A more effective balance will need to be struck if they are to threaten the French champions though.
Thanks For The Memories
Arguably the defining match of Girondins de Bordeaux’s successful title push last season came away to Rennes. Facing opponents who had not lost at home all season deep into April, Laurent Blanc’s men trailed almost immediately as Romain Danze fired home in the first minute. When Marc Planus was controversially sent off before the half hour mark, it seemed les Girondins’ strong title push had gone off the rails.
But Bordeaux displayed remarkable character to turn the fixture around, with Yoann Gourcuff firmly to the fore against his formative side. He followed an equalizer from Yoan Gouffran with a goal 20 minutes from time that seemed to have won the match, which was yet to take its most dramatic twists. Moussa Sow leveled less than 60 seconds from the end of normal time before a Gourcuff special claimed the most unlikely of victories.
Rennes has generally been a happy hunting ground for Bordeaux of late, with Blanc’s men also recording a 2-0 success at the venue in the previous campaign.
Back in the present, Bordeaux boast a six point lead at the summit of Le Championnat. Prior to last weekend’s match with Boulogne-Sur-Mer, the Aquitaine side enjoyed an eight point cushion but les Marin et Blanc were unable to break the strong resistance of their guests, having to settle for a scoreless draw.
Such frustrating evenings are rare for Bordeaux nowadays. They continue to chase four titles, with a 1-0 Coupe de la Ligue win over Sedan on Tuesday taking them to the last four of that competition. Three points at the weekend would be another significant step towards another league crown.
FORM GUIDE
Rennes
WON 4-0 (h) Grenoble (Ligue 1, January 30)
WON 4-0 (a) Saumur (Coupe de France, January 22)
DREW 0-0 (a) Saint-Etienne (Ligue 1, January 19)
DREW 1-1 (h) Racing Club de Lens (Ligue 1, January 16)
LOST 3-1 (a) Lille (Coupe de la Ligue, January 13)
Bordeaux
WON 1-0 (h) Sedan (Coupe de la Ligue, February 2)
DREW 0-0 (h) Boulogne-Sur-Mer (Ligue 1, January 30)
WON 3-2 (a) Le Mans (Coupe de la Ligue, January 26)
WON 5-1 (h) AC Ajaccio (Coupe de France, January 23)
WON 3-1 (a) Grenoble (Ligue 1, January 20)
TEAM NEWS
Rennes
Coach Frederic Antonetti will probably have the luxury of choosing from a fully fit first team squad. The only player missing due to injury or suspension is expected to be goalkeeper Cheikh Ndiaye, who has spent this term as second or third choice.
Petter Hansson is back after sitting out last weekend due to suspension, while Uwa Echiejile and Asamoah Gyan both return after African Cup of Nations service. Neither is expected in the first team.
Probable Starting XI: Douchez; Fanni, Hansson, Mangane, Danze; Tettey, M’Vila, Lemoine; Bangoura, Briand, Marveaux
Bordeaux
Like Rennes, Bordeaux have a strong panel to select from. Indeed, Laurent Blanc’s men are not expected to have any selection worries at all. A weakened side was played in the Coupe de la Ligue, so expect les Girondins’ stars to be fresh and hungry to impress.
Probable Starting XI: Carrasso; Chalme, Planus, Ciani, Tremoulinas; Diarra, Fernando; Plasil, Gourcuff, Wendel; Chamakh
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Rennes
Sylvain Marveaux spent the vast majority of last term on the sidelines due to serious injury. The 23-year-old wide player has bounced back impressively, showing his great potential frequently this season. He already has a bundle of goals to his name, including a couple of spectacular efforts, and has been one of the most consistent performers this term for the Bretons.
Bordeaux
Left-back Benoit Tremoulinas has enjoyed a breakout season, enjoying widespread recognition for his scintillating performances down the flank. An attack minded full-back whose crossing is frequently pinpoint, he actually leads Le Championnat in decisive passes, boasting a tally of seven. To have such a danger from a defensive area is rare, and it makes the 24-year-old a vital component of this Bordeaux vintage.
PREDICTION
Rennes are a side with definite potential, though they have no allowed it to flourish over the course of the season. Only in patches have les Rouge et Noir performed to near their potential. While the Bretons generally draw or lose if they’re not at their best, Bordeaux tend to find a way to win. Laurent Blanc’s men should ensure their rivals know that last weekend’s draw was simply a blip.
Stade Rennais 0-1 Girondins de Bordeaux
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