And now?

Stade Rennes were forced to abandon their position on top of the Ligue 1 table this week-end. And this in the way they would certainly not have expected, losing their leadership without being able to defend it at the Stade Vélodrome. Over the previous days, the national media were unanimous in predicting Marseille’s return to the driving seat, as a symbol of a Ligue 1 “finally” returning to an appearance more “familiar” to them, or more “logical” according to some pundits.

Instead, Brest made the most of the perfectly suitable weather conditions over their Francis-Le Blé stadium, profiting of Marseille - Rennes’ adjournment and propelling themselves into first position. After they took the edge on a weakening Saint-Etienne (2-0), Brest are suddenly thrown under the spotlights, recognized for the performance of a heroic defence and the exemplary spirit of a squad described as “nice and pleasant”.

A white hot derby ?

The reception of Brest is approaching very quickly for the Rennais. After the missed encounter with OM, the “Rouge et Noir” will be facing the other two French contenders in the Champions League, Lyon and Auxerre. Then, a derby-flavoured double header will be on the agenda, against Brest and in Lorient. But since the “Merlus” are well installed in the top-flight now, there would be no offence in considering the travel to Le Moustoir in a different way to the preceding game against Brest.

Rennes - Brest, the first clash between the teams in the league since twenty years. On December 23rd, 1990, Rennes’ convincing victory against their Finisterian opponents (3-0) failed to reflect Brest’s spell of dominance over the Breton football at the time. A few months later, an administrative relegation was durably ending the late Brest Armorique’s domination. Two decades later, the Stade Rennais – who enjoyed total supremacy over Brittany’s football from the early 20th century until the 1970’s - and the Stade Brestois – their successors in the 1970’s and 1980’s - will finally meet again.

Rennes diminished against Lyon

Before what could prove a major fixture, Rennes will have to try and bag a positive result in an always difficult reception of Olympique Lyonnais.

Lyon are struggling since the beginning of the season, with a lack of regularity in Ligue 1 , as opposed to convincing European performances. Travelling to Lisbon this Tuesday to take on the Benfica, Lyon will have played three more games than Rennes over the last two weeks (one in Ligue 1, one in Coupe de la Ligue and one in Champion’s League). A very welcome advantage for Rennes, considering the numerous absences in Frédéric Antonetti’s squad, especially in defence.

Following Saturday’s game adjournment, the Corsican manager will have to do with three suspensions. According to L’Équipe, Kader Mangane and Jérôme Leroy, initially banned for the match in Marseille, will serve their suspension over the following game. With Kana-Biyik already sentenced to miss this home-encounter, Antonetti has lost his two usual starters in central defence, setting up a defensive jigsaw that will force a complete reorganisation of the “Rouge et Noir” backline. An opportunity, maybe, to see Samuel Souprayen receive his first start in Ligue 1, but also an occasion for the Rennes manager to give himself a few headaches. More information during the week regarding the shaping-up starting eleven.

- Photo : srfc.frenchwill.fr