Already-relegated Ajaccio looking to hamper Rennes' chances of top-five finish.

2024-09-23

Relegated Ajaccio aim to spoil Rennes' top-five ambitions in their Ligue 1 clash at Stade François Coty this Sunday.

Ajaccio

Ten-man Ajaccio suffered a 5-0 defeat against ten-man PSG last weekend at Parc des Princes, resulting in their relegation to Ligue 2. The Bears were trailing by two goals at halftime after Fabián Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi found the net.

Kylian Mbappé scored twice in the second half before an own goal by Mohamed Youssouf sealed the game. Hakimi and Thomas Mangani were both sent off, reducing each side to ten men.

With the defeat, AC Ajaccio confirmed their fourth relegation, having previously dropped in 1972/73, 2005/06, and 2013/14. Currently in 18th place with 23 points, they have little to play for this weekend but will aim to hinder Rennes' top-five aspirations.

This season's tally of 24 defeats is their highest ever in a single season, surpassing the 23 losses in 2013/14. However, a win against Rennes could see them reach 10 victories against a single opponent for the first time.

Olivier Pantaloni is expected to field a 4-4-2 formation, with Mounaïm El Idrissy and Riad Nouri leading the attack. Thomas Mangani will be unavailable due to suspension following his red card against PSG.

Rennes

Rennes picked up a 4-0 win over Troyes after goals from Arthur Theate [14'], Benjamin Bourigeaud [65'], and a brace from Karl Toko Ekambi [70', 74']. With the win at Roazhon Park, the Red and Blacks retained 6th place, one point outside the top five, having picked up 59 points [18W, 5D, & 12L].

Having failed to concede yet again, last weekend's win was a true reflection of Rennes' remarkable defensive form in the new calendar year. The visitors have kept eight clean sheets in Ligue 1 in 2023, with only Reims doing better.

With the race for a top-five finish now down to the last three games, Rennes will be looking to pick up another shutout on Sunday when they take on already-relegated Ajaccio. Bruno Génésio could adopt a 4-1-4-1 formation against ACA, with Karl Toko Ekambi at the top.

Martin Terrier, Xeka, and Romain Salin are all ruled out for the weekend's clash with the Bears.