Stade Reims vs Stade Rennais FC preview - Reims on brink of survival

Posted Friday, May 15, 2015 by PA

Reims entertain Rennes on Saturday in the knowledge that victory would secure their Ligue 1 survival.

New coach Olivier Guegan's side have lost their last three home matches on the bounce but have new heart after a 3-2 win at relegation rivals Evian last week gave them real hope of staying up.

Guegan told the French media: "We know that the job is not finished. We have negotiated our "semi-final" in Annecy, where in a big game we succeeded.

"It was enjoyed and we recovered and went back to work on Monday to prepare our "final" to stay up, at home against Rennes.

"They are very powerful in wide positions and have great offensive potential."

Rennes, in ninth place in the table, have a decent away record and are unbeaten in their last three games on their travels and their Senegal international Cheikh M'Bengue insists they will be going all out for victory even if there is little to play for in terms of league position.

M'Bengue told Rennes' website: "There are still six points we can win and we are proper competitors. It's a very important game for Reims of course and they will give everything and have a lot of commitment.

"We need to be professional, stay focused and play the game right to the end because if the boot was on the other foot, we would not expect any gifts."

M'Bengue has also indicated he will sign a new contract with Rennes, adding: "There is a will on both sides to continue the adventure."