Rennes vs. Paris Saint-Germain: Key Issues That Will Shape Ligue 1 Game

Paris Saint-Germain return to Ligue 1 action against Stade Rennais FC on Saturday and will be looking to build upon their 5-0 demolition of AS Saint-Etienne prior to the international break. The French champions are currently second in le Championnat, two points behind early season pacesetters Girondins de Bordeaux, while Rennes are fifth and just one point behind.

The clash at Stade de la Route de Lorient promises to be an entertaining clash, with Philippe Montanier and Laurent Blanc’s men both in decent form. However, facing the Bretons away from home is traditionally a tough task for the French capital outfit and PSG have only won two of their last 10 trips to Rennes.

Here are some key issues that will shape Saturday’s Ligue 1 clash.

Test of PSG’s Defensive Depth

Lynne Sladky/Associated Press

PSG will have their defensive strength in depth tested by Rennes this weekend, with David Luiz and Serge Aurier almost certain to miss the clash because of injuries sustained while on international duty over the past fortnight. The Brazilian picked up a left knee problem in the clash with Colombia in Miami and the Ivory Coast star received a blow to the head against Cameroon, according to PSG.fr.

In the absence of Luiz, veteran defender Zoumana Camara will partner Marquinhos in central defence. This will be of concern to coach Blanc, who saw that partnership ripped to shreds at times during pre-season and there are major question marks over Camara’s ability to function as a genuine fourth option in defence.

Considering the speed Rennes possess in the likes of Paul-Georges Ntep and Kamil Grosicki, there is real potential for Camara to be PSG’s undoing in Brittany.

Aurier’s injury, however, poses fewer problems. Gregory van der Wiel is likely to continue at right-back until the Ivory Coast star recovers from his injury and is still Blanc’s first-choice in that role for now.

Swedish Battle

Laurent Cipriani/Associated Press

One intriguing sub-plot in this clash is the battle between Ligue 1’s two prolific Swedes.

PSG’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be aiming to add to his five goals so far this season, while Rennes’ Ola Toivonen has three to his name so far this campaign and will be hoping to catch up with his international team-mate in the standings.

Although the game will likely be decided elsewhere, it will be interesting to see who comes out on top in this one. Les Parisiens struggled going forward last time they played away from home against Evian Thonon Gaillard, so Ibrahimovic’s return to the side will boost them.

PSG Formation

Michel Euler/Associated Press

Now that the international break is over, PSG coach Blanc will have close to his full strength squad available to him. There is the major exception in central defence, where Luiz and Thiago Silva are still missing, but otherwise le President will be given a greater level of flexibility with so many of his stars back to full fitness.

With that in mind, we could finally see Blanc change PSG’s style and move away from the 4-3-3 formation that has served him so well since arriving at the club.

Edinson Cavani could be deployed alongside Ibrahimovic in a central role, while Javier Pastore could be pushed further forward to occupy his preferred position behind the front two. That would allow French international midfielder Blaise Matuidi to return to the middle alongside Italian duo Thiago Motta and Marco Verratti.