After the disappointment of their cup exit in midweek, Lyon aim to extend a five-game unbeaten streak in Ligue 1 on Sunday, when they host top-four contenders Rennes.

Both sides have beaten Paris Saint-Germain in recent weeks, but Les Gones lost out in Wednesday's Coupe de France semi-final and their visitors saw Lens dent their fine home record last weekend.

Match preview

Having just toppled the mighty PSG at the Parc des Princes, capping a five-match run without defeat, Lyon's young side sensed a place in the Coupe de France final was theirs for the taking against cup-holders Nantes, but for all their possession they could only manage a single shot on target and lost 1-0.

Bradley Barcola's second-half strike against Paris had seen Laurent Blanc's boys record a memorable Ligue 1 victory in the capital, but defeat just days later quickly brought them back down to earth.

Lyon, though, have lost only one of their last 10 league matches - and none since mid-February - so are still just about in contention for a finish that would secure European football for next season.

Despite their recent improvement, they have registered just two victories from 10 home games in Ligue 1 preceding their Easter Sunday fixture at Groupama Stadium.

Those wins did come against Lille and Lens - both teams above them in the table - and Lyon currently trail Rennes by three places and six points in the standings.

The two clubs have given the most minutes to players born this century throughout Europe's top five leagues this season, and Les Gones ('the kids') will hope to edge this week's battle of the youngsters; ending a three-game losing streak against their Breton visitors.

Since taking over as Rennes coach in March 2021, Bruno Genesio has won all three of his Ligue 1 meetings with former employers Lyon, and his current club have racked up 11 goals in the process.

Another such result this week would come at a good time for the Lyon-born boss, as Les Rouge et Noirs lost 1-0 to Lens last time out, having previously beaten PSG in their last game before the international break.

They therefore sit just outside the top five, as an inconsistent 2023 continues: Rennes have lost seven of their 14 league matches post-World Cup, with only Angers, Ajaccio and Troyes suffering more defeats over the same period.

Having gone unbeaten in their previous 11 top-flight games, it represents quite a decline for Genesio's men, who still aspire to a top-four finish - though third-placed Monaco are seven points clear of them with only nine games to go.

While Lyon have lost only three times at home this season, Rennes will expect to make life tough for their hosts on Sunday, as they have kept clean sheets in each of their last three Ligue 1 away games - as many as in their previous 32 on the road.

Team News

Lyon wing-back Malo Gusto - owned by Chelsea since signing a deal with the Premier League club in January - could be ready to start after overcoming a thigh strain and taking part in training.

Eighteen-year-old Sael Kumbedi could therefore return to the OL bench, but a similar side to that which went out of the cup on Wednesday should be selected.

On 21 goals so far this season, Alexandre Lacazette will continue to lead the line up front, with support from Bradley Barcola, who has played a part in four goals during his last three Ligue 1 games - as many as in his first 27.

Meanwhile, Rennes welcomed Jeremy Doku back to the bench last week, and having overcome a thigh problem, the Belgium winger could now start.

Club captain Hamari Traore is likely to keep his place ahead of Tottenham Hotspur loanee Djed Spence on the visitors' right flank, while on the left, Birger Meling continues to deputise for the injured Adrien Truffert.

Though Martin Terrier's ruptured ACL keeps him sidelined for the long-term, midfielder Benjamin Bourigeaud could pose a goal threat on Sunday: the latter has been involved in six Ligue 1 goals against Lyon in the past and will seek another contribution to mark his 200th appearance for Rennes in the top flight.

Lyon possible starting lineup:
Lopes; Diomande, Lovren, Lukeba; Gusto, Tolisso, Mendes, Tagliafico; Cherki; Barcola, Lacazette

Rennes possible starting lineup:
Mandanda; Traore, Omari, Wooh, Theate, Meling; Doue, Bourigeaud, Ugochukwu, Toko Ekambi; Kalimuendo

We say: Lyon 1-1 Rennes

Both teams have shown what they are capable of in recent weeks, but achieving consistency has been beyond two young sides. Well-matched on paper, this Easter Sunday encounter could be a close-fought contest which ends in a share of the spoils.


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