Angers host Rennes in a classic Ligue 1 West clash. The hosts sit mid-table after a mixed start (1 win, 1 loss), while Rennes remain unbeaten with 4 points from 2 games and look the stronger side on paper.

Form Guide

• Angers: Lost 0-2 to Lille on opening day, then bounced back with a 3-1 away win at Auxerre. Looking for consecutive victories.
• Rennes: Drew 2-2 with PSG, then edged promoted Le Mans 3-2. Unbeaten under Franck Haise and scoring freely (5 goals in 2 games), though they have conceded in both matches.

Rennes dominate the head-to-head (15–3–4 in recent meetings) and have not lost to Angers in their last six encounters. Esteban Lepaul, who joined Rennes from Angers, has already scored 3 goals this season and returns to his former ground.

Team News

Angers
Out: Haris Belkebla (thigh) and Louis Mouton (knee/muscle – still recovering). Branco van den Boomen is expected to start despite a minor adductor issue.

Likely XI (4-2-3-1): Lopes; Rao-Lisoa/Arcus, Camara, Lefort, Kalulu; Belkhdim, van den Boomen; Allevinah, Bermont, Sbaï; El Ouazzani.

Rennes
Mostly fit. Some reports of minor doubts (Rongier illness, Frankowski muscle), but the squad is largely available. Brice Samba or Nicolas Lemaître in goal.

Likely XI (4-3-3): Samba/Lemaître; Frankowski, Cresswell, Aït Boudlal, Merlin; Szymański, Rongier, Thomasson; Al-Tamari, Lepaul, Soumaré.

Prediction

Angers 1-2 Rennes

Rennes have the better quality and attacking threat, especially with Lepaul in form against his old club. Angers will be competitive at home and can score, but Rennes’ overall strength should see them claim all three points in an open game. Both teams to score looks likely.