Struggling Rennes aim to arrest their downfall against Saint Etienne, a team that are set to mount a serious challenge for Champions League places.

Thanks to the best youth academy in France and with a little help from the outsiders, les Bretons have managed to establish themselves as a genuine top table side over the years.

They have spent last few years challenging for Champions League places, but this season did not go according to plan.

Even if the team recovered from the dismal start to the season, they could not keep up with their rivals for European places and currently six points behind fourth-placed Saint Etiene.

Frederic Antonetti’s side are obviously hoping to close the gap to three points by winning this all-important clash, but there is little value in betting on home win, at odds of 2.80 (9/5) offered at BetVictor.

Having picked up just one point from last three league games, the hosts will be low on confidence, with numerous selection worries only adding to the problems.

Herita Ilunga has moved to the injury list with a thigh injury, but Sadio Diallo has recovered from an ankle problem.

John Boye, John Mensah and Onyekachi Apam are all injury doubts, while Romain Alessandrini, Victor Montano and Vincent Pajot remain sidelined.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Costil – Catherine, Kana-Biyik, Boye, Mavinga – A. Diarra, Makoun – Diallo, Feret, Pitroipa – Erding.

This is without a doubt the most successful season in club’s recent history, with the team now in a position to fight for Champions League qualification.

While les Verts had been pretty solid in the first part of the season, they have been absolutely amazing after the winter break, winning 10 of 12 games in all competitions.

This has seen them qualify for Coupe de la Ligue final, where they will meet none other than Rennes, while also making it to Coupe de France quarter-finals.

On top of that, les Verts closed the gap behind third-placed Marseille to just two points, so they will have plenty of motives to try and defeat Rennes.

Having won five of last six away games in all competitions, Saint Etienne are 2.75 (7/4) with BetFred to win at Stade de la Route de Lorient.

Important midfielder Jeremy Clement misses out with a broken leg, while Brandao is a major doubt with a thigh problem.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Ruffier – Clerc, Sall, Perrin, Brison – Bodmer, Lemoine, Cohade – Hamouma, Aubameyang, Mollo.

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