Olympique Marseille back in title race as Rennes clash looms.
[introduction]
After suffering defeat in their first outing of 2025, Rennes will take on Marseille, hoping to bounce back to winning ways. Rennes vs. Olympique Marseille kicks off at 20:05 [GMT] on Saturday, January 11, at Roazhon Park.
[away]
Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille side are in flying form [WWWDW], sitting second in the table with 33 points [10W, 3D, 3L] after dismantling Le Havre 5-1 last weekend. However, with seven points between them and leaders PSG, the Olympians know there is no room for slip-ups. Boasting the best away record in Ligue 1, Marseille have won seven of their eight games on the road this season, while scoring an astonishing 23 goals. They will be looking to pick up another win when they visit Roazhon Park this weekend. While Marseille have traditionally dominated this rivalry, Les Rennais claimed a 2-0 victory in their last meeting and now have the chance to pick up back-to-back wins over De Zerbi’s side for the first time since a memorable double between March and September 2016. A 3—4—2—1 with Neal Maupay in attack is expected from De Zerbi.
[home]
Rennes returned from the winter break with a frustrating 3-2 defeat to Nice at the Allianz Riviera. A result that saw Jorge Sampaoli’s side slip to 13th in the Ligue 1 standings with 17 points [5W, 2D, 9L], having now alternated between losses and victories in their last five matches [LWLWL]. With just two points separating them from the relegation playoff spot, the pressure is mounting on Les Rennais to steer clear of a survival scrap. Sampaoli will be celebrating his two-month anniversary in the dugout for Rennes on Saturday after replacing the dismissed Julien Stéphan on November 11. The manager would like to pick up what will be a statement win over Marseille on the day. While Rennes’ form on the road leaves much to be desired, the hosts have been in contrasting form at Roazhon Park. Under Sampaoli, Les Rennais have secured back-to-back home wins with shutouts—a stunning 5-0 thrashing of Saint-Etienne and a 2-0 triumph over Angers. The hosts have not recorded a longer such run since a streak of three wins with shutouts between April and May 2022. With just five goals conceded on their turf, Rennes will be hoping to keep the visitors out in what will be the 115th top-flight clash between both sides, making it Rennes’ most-played fixture in Ligue 1 history. A 3—4—2—1 with Arnaud Kalimuendo in attack is expected for Saturday’s clash. Meanwhile, Les Rennais have signed goalkeeper Brice Samba from rivals Lens and former Lens captain Seko Fofana from Saudi club Al Nassr.
