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Ligue 1 Preview: Stade Rennais – Montpellier
One of the most consistent sides in Le Championnat over the past five years meet the upstarts taking the division by storm…
| Bet: | Returns: | Montpellier Herault SC £13.00 | Draw £50.00 | AC Ajaccio £100.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Montpellier Herault SC £13.00 | Draw £50.00 | AC Ajaccio £100.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Montpellier Herault SC £12.86 | Draw £50.00 | AC Ajaccio £95.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Montpellier Herault SC £13.00 | Draw £50.00 | AC Ajaccio £100.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Montpellier Herault SC £13.50 | Draw £43.00 | AC Ajaccio £78.50 |
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Oct 23, 2009 1:00:27 PM
Kick-Off: Saturday, October 24, 2009. 21:00 CET
Stade de la Route de Lorient, Rennes
Stade de la Route de Lorient, Rennes
Home Comforts
Rennes’ 0-0 draw with Lille last weekend was not a great departure from the scoreline that was anticipated in the north of France, as the two draw specialists battled out an exciting encounter. However, the balance of play was firmly tilted against the Breton side, doubtless concerning head coach Frederic Antonetti somewhat.
It was not just last Sunday’s game that is cause for worry in les Rouge et Noir ranks – they have now gone three Ligue 1 matches without so much as scoring a goal, twice losing 1-0 in that sequence.
The narrow home loss to Auxerre was a particularly traumatic experience for Rennes, whose form at the Stade de la Route de Lorient has provided the basis for their successful campaigns in Ligue 1 over the last five years, during which time they have never finished outside the top seven.
Antonetti will look to recapture their best home form on Saturday night, but he will be aware of the devastation around France’s top flight that Montpellier have caused, and he should plan accordingly.
Victory would certainly set Rennes up nicely to renew their push for the European berths, which has stuttered in a nasty fashion throughout October. And Rennes, who invested €11 million in Ismael Bangoura alone this summer, are expected to reach such heights, though they have only shown their true potential in glimpses this term.
Still Going Strong
When Montpellier won promotion on the final day of last season, they were regarded as a side who could pose a threat in attack but who may be a little vulnerable defensively. Given Grenoble built Ligue 1 survival last season on a very different basis, there was perhaps some scepticism as to whether MHSC could actually live with the top flight’s big boys.
Nine matches into the season, all doubts about their suitability for Ligue 1 football have disappeared, and a great deal of credit must go to coach Rene Girard for piecing together a very well balanced outfit.
Like GF38 did last summer, la Paillade have augmented their side with experienced figures, arguably one of the most effective of whom has been Romain Pitau. The former Sochaux defensive midfielder was snapped up by the club on a free transfer and has done a wonderfully efficient job in the centre of midfield.
Pitau is something of a keystone of the side, holding the midfield together and offering protection for a defence that has also been upgraded by the addition of Bosnian international Emir Spahic, whose contribution in the early weeks of the season has been vital.
As well as leading the league in terms of possessions won, he has also contributed two goals, including a last minute equaliser against Paris Saint-Germain on the opening days of the season that kept the club’s positive summer momentum going.
Montpellier as a whole have build on that moment, and one away defeat against Olympique de Marseille aside, they have proven a match for every side they have met to date.
FORM
Rennes
DREW 0-0 (a) Lille (Ligue 1, Matchday 9, October 17)
LOST 1-0 (h) Auxerre (Ligue 1, Matchday 8, October 3)
LOST 1-0 (a) Girondins de Bordeaux (Ligue 1, Matchday 7, September 27)
WON 2-1 (h) Sochaux (Coupe de la Ligue, 1/16 final, September 23)
WON 4-0 (a) Grenoble (Ligue 1, Matchday 6, September 19)
Montpellier
WON 2-1 (h) Saint-Etienne (Ligue 1, Matchday 9, October 17)
WON 3-2 (a) Grenoble (Ligue 1, Matchday 8, October 3)
WON 1-0 (h) Boulogne-Sur-Mer (Ligue 1, Matchday 7, September 26)
LOST 4-3 (h) Racing Club de Lens (Coupe de la Ligue, 1/16 final, September 23)
LOST 4-2 (a) Olympique de Marseille (Ligue 1, Matchday 6, September 19)
TEAM NEWS
Rennes
Having had a squad decimated by injury and suspension last weekend, the Bretons are hopeful of having virtually a full compliment for this home fixture. Jimmy Briand continues to recover from serious injury and will miss out, but he could be the only absentee.
Fabien Lemoine, Carlos Bocanegra and Kader Mangane all return from suspensions, and Asamoah Gyan and Petter Hansson should both shake off troubling injuries, though it is not certain.
Probable Starting XI: Douchez; Fanni, Hansson, Mangane, Bocanegra; Lemoine, Cheyrou; Bangoura, Leroy, Sow; Gyan
Montpellier
Like their opponents, Montpellier should have something like a complete panel. Promising young goalkeeper Johann Carrasso remains a long-term absentee and there are doubts over Lilian Compan and Philippe Delaye.
Younes Belhanda returns from a ban but will struggled to break into the first team. Joris Marveaux could line up against brother, Sylvain, who plays for Rennes.
Probably Starting XI: Jourdren; Yangambiwa, Dzodic, Spahic; Jeunechamp; Marveaux, Pitau, Costa; Dernis, Montano, Ait Fana
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Rennes
The technician in the centre of the Bretons’ side is Jerome Leroy. Although he is now pushing on in years, he is a highly intelligent attacking midfielder who will look to prise open the visiting defence with some subtle passing. Capable of moments of brilliance, if he can free himself from the shackles of the visiting defence, he could cause carnage.
Montpellier
Colombian forward Victor Hugo Montano has been criticised for not scoring enough goals this season. However, his bustling presence frequently causes defenders panic, and he was central to many of his side’s best attacks as they beat Saint-Etienne last weekend. If he can lace up his shooting boots, he could become a real handful.
PREDICTION
Rennes remain tough to beat at home, despite their blip last time out against Auxerre, and they will certainly fancy their chances of getting one over on the upstarts from the south. However, Montpellier have matched every side they’ve faced this season and will relish their moment in the Saturday night spotlight.
Stade Rennais 1-1 Montpellier
Robin Bairner, Goal.com
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