Preview: OGC Nice vs Stade Rennais

New faces and a real opportunity

To say that Stade Rennais have stumbled to start the season would be an understatement. Despite considerable investment generated by the sale of Désiré Doué to Paris Saint-Germain, the Bretons didn't bring in any truly marquee names, and their results in the season's first half have reflected that, underscored by the dismissal of Julien Stéphan. Injuries to the likes of Alidu Seidu haven't helped, but this largely callow group has looked out of their depth not infrequently.

Now with Jorge Sampaoli at the helm, the team's fortunes have improved somewhat, winning three of four in all competitions and edging away from the bottom three. In addition to improved play on the pitch, the team's recruitment department has already added a proven performer in the mercato in the person of Seko Fofana, a player twice named to the UNFP Team of the Year during his spell with RC Lens. While not expected to start tomorrow, Fofana is in the squad and the hope is strong from the team's hierarchy that his veteran nous can have a positive effect on Le Rouge et Noir.

A deeper squad, but questions remains for Haise

It was difficult for Franck Haise not to smile when asked about the health of his squad in a pre-match press conference. Les Aiglons have had as many as ten first-team players missing at various points this season, but will welcome back the likes of Antoine Mendy and Dante for this fixture, giving them badly needed defensive depth. 

In attack, too, Haise will welcome back the likes of Mohamed-Ali Cho, in the hopes that his side -- unbeaten at home to date in the league -- will be able to deliver a win that could see them move as high as fourth depending on the weekend's other results.

Predicted lineups:

OGC Nice (3-4-3): Bulka; Abdelmomem, Dante, Ndayishimiye; Bard, Ndombélé, Boudaoui, Mendy; Diop, Laborde, Guessand

Stade Rennais (3-4-3): Mandanda; Hateboer, Ostigard, Faye; Assignon, James, Matusiwa, Truffert; Blas, Kalimuendo, Groenbaek (or Gouiri)

The stat: 2

Nice are one of just two teams, along with Paris Saint-Germain, to remain undefeated at home in Ligue 1 McDonald's this season.

Read more:

>> Mercato: Seko Fofana is back!
>> The Ligue 1 McDonald's Season So Far (Part III)