Rennes predicted XI v Nantes: Julien Stéphan set to drop Arthur Theate and Benjamin Bourigeaud | OneFootball

Rennes visit bitter Brittany rivals Nantes on Saturday at 5pm CET for a fiery Breton derby that rarely fails to deliver. Les Rouge et Noir have dropped out of the European spots and desperately need a win at La Beaujoire to mount a comeback come the end of the season. Unfortunately, Rennes have hit a slump at the worst time possible, having lost their last four competitive games, including three league outings, the last of which was a truly disappointing 2-1 home loss against Toulouse.

During Friday’s press conference, Rennes manager Julien Stéphan has hinted at a personnel change against Les Canaris. Belgian international centre-back is set to start from the bench with Stéphan giving the nod to Cameroon international Christopher Wooh. Talismanic midfielder Benjamin Bourigeaud, who is the shadow of his former self recently, is also expected to be dropped from the starting XI. In its place, Stéphan would be tempted to hand the right midfielder role to Ludovic Blas. As a former Nantes skipper who joined their rivals, Blas should not expect the warmest of welcomes from La Beaujoire.

Enzo Le Fée’s injury against Toulouse means a start is on the cards for Dutch midfielder Azor Matusiwa, who joined from Reims for a lavish €16m transfer fee last winter. Up front, Martin Terrier is set to start after missing the Toulouse game through suspension, at the expense of Algeria international Amine Gouiri.

Rennes likely lineup v Nantes

Steve Mandanda; Guéla Doué, Warmed Omari, Christopher Wooh, Jeanuël Belocian; Ludovic Blas, Azor Matusiwa, Baptiste Santamaria, Désiré Doué; Arnaud Kalimuendo, Martin Terrier (OF)

GFFN | Bastien Cheval