Rennes vs PSG: Managerless hosts face league leaders

The Roazhon Park is set to host a compelling Ligue 1 encounter as a managerless Stade Rennais welcomes league leaders Paris Saint-Germain on February 13, 2026. This fixture, part of Gameweek 22, presents a significant challenge for the home side, who are in a precarious position both on and off the pitch.

Rennes Navigates Managerial Turmoil

Rennes find themselves in a period of considerable flux following the dismissal of manager Habib Beye. The decision came after a string of disappointing results, culminating in a 3-1 defeat at Lens over the weekend. This loss extended their winless streak to five games across all competitions, including three consecutive defeats in Ligue 1. The departure of Beye leaves the club searching for a new permanent manager, with reserve team coach Sebastien Tambouret expected to oversee the crucial clash against PSG. The primary task for Tambouret will be to steady the ship and reignite their faltering European qualification hopes.

Currently sitting sixth in the Ligue 1 table, Rennes are just two points behind fifth-placed Lille and a considerable eight points adrift of the top four. Their grip on continental qualification spots is also tenuous, with only a single point separating them from seventh-placed Strasbourg. A positive result against PSG is therefore not just desirable, but essential for their season.

Despite their recent struggles, Rennes can draw some encouragement from their home form. They have lost only once in their last six matches at Roazhon Park across all competitions. However, that solitary defeat came in their most recent home outing, a statistic that will do little to inspire confidence against a formidable opponent.

PSG in Dominant Form

In stark contrast to their opponents, Paris Saint-Germain are in phenomenal form. Luis Enrique's side have won their last seven top-flight matches, a run that impressively began with a resounding 5-0 victory over Rennes in the reverse fixture. This dominant performance marked their fourth consecutive win against the Brittany club, highlighting a significant head-to-head advantage.

Last weekend's emphatic victory in Le Classique against Marseille, with a 5-0 scoreline, further underscored PSG's attacking prowess. Ousmane Dembele was instrumental, netting a first-half brace, while an own goal from Facundo Medina, coupled with strikes from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Lee Kang-In, completed the rout. This commanding display saw PSG reclaim the top spot in Ligue 1, opening up a potential five-point gap over their closest rivals with a win against Rennes.

PSG's impressive away form also provides a strong foundation for optimism. They have secured three consecutive league victories on the road, though each of these wins has been by a single-goal margin, with two being clinched in the dying moments. This suggests that while they are winning, their away performances may not always be entirely dominant, hinting at the possibility of a more competitive contest.

Team News and Potential Lineups

Rennes Team News

Rennes' preparations have been further hampered by significant injury concerns. Last weekend's defeat at Lens saw two players stretchered off: Liverpool-bound defender Jeremy Jacquet, who may require shoulder surgery and faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines, and centre-back Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal, who sustained a thigh injury. These absences, coupled with existing issues for Przemysław Frankowski, Djaoui Cisse, Glen Kamara, and winter signing Yassir Zabiri, leave the squad severely stretched.

The situation with first-choice goalkeeper Brice Samba also remains uncertain. He was notably absent from the trip to Lens following a reported fallout with former boss Beye. It remains to be seen if he will be recalled for this crucial fixture.

Paris Saint-Germain Team News

PSG, meanwhile, have their own injury concerns but are boosted by the return of key personnel. Midfielder Fabian Ruiz continues to be sidelined with a knee injury, and winger Quentin Ndjantou is still nursing a hamstring problem. However, right-back Achraf Hakimi is expected to return after serving a one-match suspension. His availability would likely see Warren Zaire-Emery shift back into his natural midfield role.

Given PSG's current form and Rennes' defensive frailties, many anticipate another potent attacking display from the visitors. Rennes have conceded at least three goals in each of their last three outings across all competitions, a statistic that PSG's formidable front line will undoubtedly be looking to exploit.

Match Prediction

While Rennes will be desperate to impress under interim management and halt their slide, the sheer momentum and quality of Paris Saint-Germain make them the clear favourites. PSG's attacking firepower, combined with Rennes' defensive vulnerabilities and managerial uncertainty, points towards a victory for the league leaders. The question remains whether Rennes can muster a performance to keep the scoreline respectable.