A duel of weakened teams

Two teams deprived of several important players will face each other this Sunday at the Stadium Municipal of Toulouse. In the Pink City, just as in Brittany, forfeits are numerous and quite handicapping for two teams struggling for European spots.

For Rennes, the announced forfeits of Kembo and Brahimi have been completed with the absence of Romain Danzé, very doubtful since the game in Le Mans. On his Facebook account, the right back explained that his meniscus had “suffered a little bit” following an awkward move during the Coupe de la Ligue game, but he hopes to be back for Thursday’s game in Glasgow. Although the expected return of Théophile-Catherine is effective, it is followed by this of youngster Dimitri Foulquier, who numerically replaces the usual Breton starter.
In attack, the absences of Brahimi and Kembo allow young Senegalese forward Abdoulaye Sané to return to the squad. The best goal scorer of the Reserve since the beginning of the season was already invited – without having his name put down on the match sheet – for the trip to Lille. The young player could experience the same situation this time: Frédéric Antonetti indeed decided to bring a nineteen-man squad in Toulouse, meaning one of them will have to watch the game from the stands.

At midfield, the rotation made on Wednesday should allow the returns of M’Vila and Féret in the starting XI. Uncertainty remains regarding the identity of the player who will be lined-up with them, even though after being also rested on Wednesday, Tongo Doumbia appears as a serious contender. This player will definitely not be Stéphane Dalmat, who will be «rested » according to the club, as well as Abdoulaye Diallo, who will leave his position of second goalkeeper to Cheick N’Diaye for this game.

At the TFC, Alain Casanova is also experiencing diffculties. This Sunday, it will particularly affect the defence since the Toulouse manager will have to do without is two usual full-backs Cheikh M’Bengué (injured) and Pavle Ninkov (suspended). In their absence, youngster Akpa-Akpro should start on the right flank while usual centre back Daniel Congré could be lined-up at left-back. A repositioning which would force the coach to field Étienne Capoue at centre-back.
On a domino effect, the Toulouse midfield should also be re-organised, with persistent questions regarding the replacement of Capoue alongside Étienne Didot. At this moment, according to L’Équipe, youngster Mickaël Firmin is the favourite to take the position, and could be preferred to Portuguese Machado.
In attack, the centre forward position should logically be given to Turkish striker Bulut, since former Saint Etienne man Emmanuel Rivière is once again injured.

Stade rennais FC

- Goalkeepers : Costil, N’Diaye
- Defenders : Foulquier, Jebbour, Kana-Biyik, Mangane, Mavinga, Théophile-Catherine
- Midfielders : Doumbia, Féret, Mandjeck, M’Vila, Pajot, Tettey
- Forwards : Boukari, Hadji, Montaño, Pitroipa, Sané

• Injured : Apam (fitness), Boye (thigh), Kembo (thigh), Brahimi (ankle), Danzé (meniscus)
• Suspended : n/a
• Manager’s decision : Diallo, Kandji, Dalmat, Doucouré, Issah, Rouger, Diarra

Toulouse FC

- Goalkeepers : Ahamada, Vidal
- Defenders : Abdennour, Akpa-Akpro, Cakin, Congré, Fofana
- Midfielders : Capoue, Devaux, Didot, Firmin, Machado, Sirieix, Regattin, Sissoko, Tabanou
- Forward : Braaten, Bulut

• Injured : M’Bengué (thigh), Rivière (thigh)
• Suspended : Ninkov
• Manager’s decision : Riou, Ben Yeder, Pelé