PSG begin their Ligue 1 title defence against Rennes on August 23, but the opener has been switched to Roazhon Park after the Parc des Princes pitch was declared unsafe.
PSG Must Respond After Lens Exposed Their Finishing
Paris Saint-Germain arrive after losing 1-0 to Lens despite taking 23 shots, only six of which tested the goalkeeper against ten men for over 50 minutes. Luis Enrique’s men dominated possession but failed to deliver the final blow.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Désiré Doué scored in the 2-1 UEFA Super Cup win over Aston Villa four days earlier, showing the attacking depth behind PSG’s status as clear favourites.
Luis Enrique will be without Nuno Mendes, who starts a three-match suspension following a red card. Ousmane Dembélé and João Neves are available after beginning the Lens game on the bench.
PSG predicted lineup vs Rennes (4-3-3): Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Digne; Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz; Dembélé, Doué, Kvaratskhelia.
Lepaul Gives Rennes a Genuine Counterpunch
Rennes lost their last two friendlies, 4-2 against Brentford and 2-1 at Sunderland, conceding six goals across those matches. Their pre-season was far from ideal, but now the full focus will be on Ligue 1.
The team’s biggest threat is Estéban Lepaul, last season’s 21-goal Ligue 1 top scorer. He struck a hat-trick against Galatasaray and scored from the spot against Sunderland.
Franck Haise must compensate for suspended midfielder Mahdi Camara. Seko Fofana and Ludovic Blas missed Wednesday’s training session, and several other first-team players worked individually or were absent.
Rennes predicted lineup vs PSG (4-2-3-1): Samba; Frankowski, Cresswell, Rouault, Merlin; Rongier, Szymański; Nordin, Thomasson, Soumaré; Lepaul.
PSG vs Rennes Prediction
Safe Tip: PSG to Win
Odds: 1.47 (22Bet)
Correct score prediction: PSG 3-1 Rennes
22Bet Booking Code: H3XTX
Key stats:
- PSG generated 23 shots against Lens despite losing 1-0.
- Rennes conceded six goals across their last two friendlies.
- PSG have scored 13 goals in their previous four H2Hs with Rennes.
Paris Saint-Germain to win remains the logical play despite the late venue change. Their failure against Lens was primarily about conversion. Luis Enrique’s side attempted 23 shots, whereas Kvaratskhelia and Doué had converted PSG’s superiority into a 2-1 Super Cup victory over Aston Villa four days earlier.
Rennes now receive unexpected home advantage, but their defence has just conceded four to Brentford and two against Sunderland. PSG also won three of the previous four league H2Hs, scoring 13 times. Luis Enrique’s men are the favourites.
PSG vs Rennes Prediction, Value Tip
Value Tip: Over 3.5 Goals
Odds: 2.09 (22Bet)
22Bet Booking Code: 26YTX
Over 3.5 at 2.09 market appears to underestimate Rennes’ ability to contribute. Lepaul scored 21 Ligue 1 goals last season and has already struck five times across three pre-season appearances.
The matchup has also produced four or more goals in each of the last four league meetings: PSG won 3-1, 4-1 and 5-0 before Rennes answered with February’s 3-1 victory.
With Rennes conceding six across their last two warm-ups, 2.09 offers enough upside for a 3-1 scoreline.
Verdict: PSG to Win (1.47) - PSG 3-1 Rennes.
