Marseille vs Rennes: Europa League Spot on the Line in Ligue 1 Finale

Marseille will welcome Rennes to the Stade Velodrome on Sunday for a pivotal Ligue 1 encounter, with a place in the upcoming Europa League competition firmly within reach for both clubs. Heading into the final matchday, Marseille sit sixth in the standings following a narrow 1-0 victory over Le Havre, placing them three points behind Rennes.

Rennes, meanwhile, secured a 2-1 win against Paris FC last week, guaranteeing them at least a spot in the Conference League next season. However, their ambitions extend higher, as they are just two points adrift of Lille for a Champions League qualifying position and one point behind Lyon for a Europa League slot. This creates a high-stakes scenario for Sunday's fixture, as both teams vie for their desired European qualification.

Key facts

The European Qualification Battle

For Marseille, a victory against Rennes would secure their Europa League qualification, largely due to their superior goal difference over their direct rivals. Even a draw might be enough to avoid a complete collapse, as they hold a significantly better goal difference than Monaco, who are two points below them and competing for the Conference League spot. Inconsistency has plagued Marseille this season, making a Europa League berth a significant achievement. They will be keen to avoid dropping points in successive home Ligue 1 matches, having drawn 1-1 with Nice in their last outing at the Stade Velodrome. Historically, Marseille have been strong at home against Rennes, winning their last four encounters across all competitions and remaining unbeaten in nine straight games against them at the Stade Velodrome. They have only been kept scoreless once at home in the league this season, netting three or more goals on seven occasions.

Rennes' Lofty Ambitions

Rennes, under the guidance of Franck Haise, have enjoyed a strong run of form, winning five of their last six league matches and suffering only two defeats since his appointment. A single point on Sunday would be sufficient to secure Europa League football and would also see them cross the 60-point mark for the first time since the 2022-23 season. Despite their strong current form, Rennes have a history of faltering in their final Ligue 1 fixture, having lost their last two season finales. Notably, they squandered an early lead in a 4-2 defeat to Marseille at the Stade Velodrome last season. Haise's side has been particularly potent away from home, scoring 16 goals in their last five Ligue 1 road games, a significant improvement over their previous 11 combined away outings.

Team News and Potential Lineups

Marseille may be without Nayef Aguerd due to a groin issue, while Hamed Traore is nursing adductor pain. CJ Egan-Riley and Geoffrey Kondogbia are also questionable with leg injuries. Bilal Nadir is unlikely to feature as he recovers from a hamstring problem. Mason Greenwood, who scored his 16th Ligue 1 goal from the penalty spot in their last match, will be a key player. Geronimo Rulli is expected to start in goal after a clean sheet in his last appearance.

Rennes will likely be without Przemyslaw Frankowski due to a muscle strain, and Jeremy Jacquet might also miss out with a shoulder issue in what could be his final game for the club before his reported move to Liverpool. Franck Haise made three changes to his starting eleven in their last match, bringing in Aboubakar Nagida, Anthony Rouault, and Ludovic Blas. Esteban Lepaul, with 20 goals, is expected to finish as the league's top scorer, having netted alongside Breel Embolo in their victory over Paris FC.

Marseille possible starting lineup: Rulli; Pavard, Balerdi, Medina, Palmieri; Vermeeren, Hojbjerg; Greenwood, Timber, Paixao; Gouiri

Rennes possible starting lineup: Samba; Seidu, Boudlal, Brassier, Merlin; Camara, Rongier; Embolo, Szymanski, Al-Taamari; Lepaul

Match Prediction

Given Rennes' recent consistency and improved form under Franck Haise, coupled with Marseille's sometimes erratic performances this season, Rennes might have a slight edge in this crucial encounter. Their improved attacking output away from home could also be a deciding factor.

Fuente: Sports Mole Football RSS – https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/marseille/preview/marseille-vs-rennes-prediction-team-news-lineups_597541.html