Preview: Rennes vs. Monaco

Just two points separate Rennes and Monaco in the Ligue 1 table as they prepare to go head to head on Saturday.

This weekend's hosts reside in seventh place, five points behind the top three places, while Monaco sit just one spot below in eighth.

Philippe Montanier's side are on a strong run in the league, having remained unbeaten in their last six domestic fixtures - their latest resulting in a slender 1-0 triumph over Guingamp.

Monaco have also had a six-match unbeaten run in the league, but have not grabbed a victory in their last three having secured draws in each one.

The frustration of failing to snatch maximum points was eased by Leonardo Jardim's side in the Champions League this week when they snatched a 1-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in Germany.

Monaco have come out on top in the last two meetings between the sides, but they are facing a Rennes side in strong form, especially at home as they have suffered just one defeat in five.

Paul-Georges Ntep is likely to lead the line following his winning goal last week, while Monaco could field Dimitar Berbatov up front as they aim to get back to winning ways in the league.

Rennes:

Form in Ligue 1: WDWDWW Form in all competitions: DWWDWW

Possible starting lineup: Costil; Mexer, M'Bengue, Moreira, Armand; Doucoure, Danze, Pajot, Fernandes; Ntep, Toivonen

Monaco:

Form in Ligue 1: DWWDDD Form in all competitions: WDLDDW

Possible starting lineup: Subasic; Elderson, Abdennour, Carvalho, Raggi; Bakayoko, Toulalan, Moutinho; Ferreira Carrasco, Berbatov, Dirar

Sports Mole says: 1-1