The newly promoted side have been handed a tough draw as they are set to host the team that finished last league campaign in 6th place. Les Bretones have started the season earlier than most Ligue 1 teams because of the Europa League commitments and that could give them the extra edge in this match.

First time in top flight

Following some pretty impressive displays in Ligue 2 last season, Dijon managed to gain promotion to French top flight, for the first time in their history. The Burgundy club look well prepared for one of the strongest competitions in Europe, although they could have problems in attack after selling top scorer (23 goals last term) Sebastian Ribas to Genoa. New signing from Boulogne Gregory Thil is expected to replace him, although that could be too big a task for the veteran striker. The arrivals of Abdoulaye Meite, Younousse Sankhare, Daisuke Matsui and Brice Jovial did improve the quality of the squad, although the new players will need some time to gel with their teammates. Dijon look to be lacking some quality as well as experience for a very demanding competition that is French Ligue 1 and they are likely to have problems against in-form Rennes.

Boss Patrice Carteron has no injury worries and his side are set to line up in 4-4-2 formation with new signings Thil and Jovial leading the line.

Rennes continue to impress

The club with the best youth academy in France have seen a major uptrend in fortunes over the last few years and they are slowly becoming regular in European competitions. Les Bretons were pretty impressive during the big part of last season, but the poor finish of the league campaign saw them slip to 6th place. Frederic Antonetti’s side have seen important players Sylvain Marveaux, Jerome Leroy and Nicolas Douchez leave the club this summer, but they brought great replacements in Julien Feret and Jonathan Pitroipa, meaning they could again enter the race for European places. Rennes started their season with 7:2 aggregate win over Olimpik Rustavi in the Europa League qualifiers and they look completely ready for the start of the league campaign.

Key midfielder Yann M’Vila has recovered from an Achilles injury and should be fit to start, while Yacine Brahimi is doubtful. Jires Kembo-Ekoko, Chris Mavinga and Onyekachi Apam miss out through injury, while Fabien Lemoine is suspended.

Verdict

There is no doubt that home fans will create a magnificent atmosphere and that is likely to push Dijon into all out attack. That could come back to haunt them as Rennes are a very experienced side and better prepared than the hosts, so their superior quality should shine at Stade Gaston Gerard.

Our prediction: Rennes with 0:0 Asian handicap

Odds: 1.95 (19/20)

Bookmaker: Victor Chandler