Le Havre vs Rennes

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Le Havre will host Rennes at Stade Oceane for a mid-table clash in Ligue 1 this weekend, scheduled for Sunday lunchtime.

Since their return to the top flight after more than a decade, Le Havre has been gradually dispelling relegation concerns, while Rennes is eyeing a late push for a European spot.

Le Havre had faced relegation in their only two previous top-flight seasons during the 21st century, in 2002-03 and 2008-09. However, this season's impressive performance suggests they are likely to secure survival comfortably.

Their current 11th position in the mid-table is precisely what Le Havre supporters would have hoped for at the start of the season. They currently hold an eight-point cushion above the relegation zone and are eight points adrift from the European qualification spots.

Despite the possibility of having little at stake in the league during the latter part of the season, Le Havre's recent 3-1 loss to Strasbourg in the Coupe de France would have been disappointing. Nonetheless, it marked their first defeat in 2024 after an unbeaten run of five matches since the new year, including victories in their first three games, notably against Lyon in the league.

Their recent back-to-back draws against Lorient and Monaco, both achieved away from home, were commendable outcomes. Another draw in the upcoming match against Rennes wouldn't be viewed unfavorably, especially considering Le Havre's historically competitive performances against them.

In the 2008-09 season, the two teams met three times, with Le Havre winning twice and drawing once. Earlier this season, in the reverse fixture, Le Havre managed to salvage a 2-2 draw despite being reduced to 10 men after initially trailing 2-0.

However, Le Havre faces a tough challenge against Rennes, given the latter's current form heading into the fixture.

After defeating Clermont 3-1 just before the holiday season, Rennes has experienced a remarkable streak of success, winning six consecutive matches since the start of the New Year - three in the league and three in the Coupe.

Their victories against Guingamp and Marseille propelled them to the last 16 of the cup, where they demonstrated dominance with a resounding 6-1 victory over Sochaux, securing a spot in the quarter-finals.

Rennes' league triumphs have also been impressive, particularly their 2-0 win against a formidable Nice side and a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Lyon, followed by a narrow win against Montpellier HSC last weekend.

This impressive run has reignited hopes of a European qualification push, with Julian Stephan's appointment as manager proving to be instrumental. Rennes now sits just four points behind Lens in sixth place.

Since taking over from Bruno Genesio, Stephan has overseen nine wins in his 13 games in charge. Moreover, a win in this fixture would mark the first time in over four years that Rennes has secured three consecutive away league victories.

Furthermore, a victory would provide a significant confidence boost before their upcoming Europa League clash against AC Milan at the San Siro midweek. However, the team remains focused on the task at hand and is determined not to let European commitments distract them from their current league campaign.