Stade Rennais FC vs Paris Saint Germain preview - PSG look to build momentum

Posted Saturday, September 13, 2014 by PA

Paris St Germain head to Rennes this weekend hoping to build some momentum after getting their Ligue 1 title defence firing last time out.

Laurent Blanc's men were held to draws in two of their opening three games but then burst into life by hammering St Etienne 5-0 a fortnight ago.

PSG are now ominously placed in second in the table, just two points behind early leaders Bordeaux, and yet again they look like the team to beat.

But defender Gregory van der Wiel insists there is no room for complacency and Rennes, who are just a point behind PSG, should not be taken lightly.

The Holland international told PSG TV: "We are expecting a tough match. It's never easy playing against Rennes."

"In France all the clubs want to beat Paris, so they will be playing with a lot of heart."

"We have to stay focused 100 per cent to get a result from a match that won't be easy."

Rennes spoilt the PSG party in May, winning 2-1 at the Parc des Princes on the day they were confirmed as champions for the second successive season.

The Breton side are also in good heart after responding their opening day loss at Lyon with a three-game unbeaten run, launched with a 6-2 win over Evian.

Coach Philippe Montanier believes his team can respond to the challenge.

Montanier said: "I think the Parisians will be even harder to beat this season, but the teams that manage to do that will get even more credit. I hope that we'll be part of that group."

"We want to play well at home, show our best face. It'll be tough, because they're a difficult team to play."