Rennes - Marseille: De Zerbi already faces a dilemma
It's typical of ambitious teams like OM , at the start of each season, they have to reinvent themselves, correct the imperfections of the previous season and erase those gaps that cost precious points. In a championship still dominated by a crushing PSG, the Marseillais know that they must aim high to remain competitive. OM approaches this meeting with a squad almost intact compared to last season. Roberto De Zerbi was able to maintain the framework of his group, recording only three major departures, Quentin Merlin and Valentin Rongier, who left for Rennes, as well as Luis Enrique, transferred to Inter Milan. This first match against the Breton club will therefore have a particular flavor, Merlin and Rongier, former Olympian executives will stand in the way of the Marseillais from the start, now in the red and black jersey.
Riding the right dynamicMarseille have shown some good things during the offseason, notably posting two convincing wins, a 2-0 victory against Girona and a 3-1 victory against Aston Villa. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, back at the club after his time in Saudi Arabia, has already distinguished himself with two goals against the English, to the point of instilling doubt in his Italian coach for the striker spot. De Zerbi is expected to opt for Gouiri at number 9, but yesterday in a press conference he didn't hesitate to motivate the Algerian by asking him to take inspiration from the Gabonese's play, which shows that the trend from the first day could soon change. The other recruit, Facundo Medina, on loan from Lens, has quickly found his place in the Olympique de Marseille rearguard. While waiting for the debuts of Brazilian Igor Paixao, the biggest signing of the summer outside of PSG, and Timothy Weah, the reflexes already seem well established. Roberto De Zerbi, who has won his five previous championship openings, wants to build on this momentum to win from the start.
For this first matchday, OM will have to do without Igor Paixao, still too weak after an injury, and without Facundo Medina, suspended. Two absences are also to be noted on the Rennes side: Lilian Brassier and Nordi Mukiele are still injured, while Mousa Al Tamari, who has suffered dental problems in recent days, is doubtful. These absences will force Habib Beye to remodel his eleven, particularly in central defense, while counting on his new recruits to fill the gaps like the former Lens player, Prezymslaw Frankowski. In attack, Rennes will also have to compensate for the departure of its striker Arnaud Kalimuendo to Nottingham Forest and it is the young Mohamed Kader Meïté (18 years old) who will have the difficult task of taking over.
Beye confident and excitedIn a press conference, Habib Beye did not hide his respect for OM. " They are a team that maintains a strong offensive force, with a strong identity. We know that they were second in Ligue 1 and that they can claim the title. " But the Rennes coach believes in his chances: " With the confidence built up in preparation, we must be able to compete. " Rennes will be able to rely on the arrival of Mahdi Camara from Brest, as well as on his pistons Frankowski and Merlin to bring danger. For Beye, this match will be decided " on details " and will require maximum concentration against an opponent capable of punishing the slightest error. The former Marseille player also admitted that such a match for the first day can only motivate his players. " It's up to us to make sure we show all our qualities. It's exciting because it's OM, but it's especially exciting because it's the start of the championship. Everyone is eager to start this season."
Historically, Marseille have the advantage, with 50 wins for OM against 33 for Rennes, and 33 draws in Ligue 1. Last season, the Olympians won both matches, including a spectacular 4-2 on the final day. Friday evening, in a full stadium and with a well-stocked visitors' enclosure, the Phocéens will want to continue this positive run, while the Bretons will look to strike hard from the start to gain the confidence they lacked last season.
What time will the meeting take place?This first match of the 2025/2026 season, which will be officiated by referee Jérémy Pignard, will take place this Friday at 8:45 p.m. at Roazhon Park.
Which TV channel is Rennes - Marseille broadcast on?A baptism of fire for the new Ligue 1 Plus channel, published by the LFP, which will have the honor of broadcasting this first-day match. For subscriptions, a pass at €14.99 per month to have 8 out of 9 Ligue 1 matches, with a one-year commitment, for two screens. If you don't want a commitment, the price increases to €19.99 per month. Finally, a €9.99 monthly offer exists for those under 26 (without commitment, for a single screen).
What streaming broadcast is there for this match?McDonald's Ligue 1 is being broadcast this season on the Ligue 1+ platform, which is distributed by several operators, including DAZN and Prime Video.
Possible starting compositionsRennes : Samba – Faye, Jacquet, Rouault – Frankowski, Fofana, Cissé, Rongier, Merlin – Blas, Meïté.
Marseille : Rulli – Murillo, Balerdi (c), Egan-Riley, Garcia – Højbjerg, Rabiot, Gomes – Greenwood, Gouiri, Rowe.
The different coastsMarseille, runners-up to PSG last season, are slight favorites against Rennes, who are out for revenge. Betclic : Rennes 3.75 / Draw 3.87 / Marseille 1.91 Winamax : Rennes 3.65 / Draw 3.80 / Marseille 1.92 Unibet : Rennes 3.68 / Draw 3.78 / Marseille 1.91 Parions Sports: Rennes 3.80 / Draw 3.85 / Marseille 1.91
L'Internaute
