Towards a very surprising starting lineup against Brest?

After the disappointing elimination in the Coupe de France against Troyes, Jorge Sampaoli must rebuild his team with limited resources for the crucial match against Brest. “I don’t have many players to change the situation”admitted the Rennes coach, faced with a lack of solutions. Four players – Albert Gronbaek, Glen Kamara, Baptiste Santamaria and Gauthier Gallon – were left out of the group, further reducing the available options.

A weakened defense and a restricted environment

In this difficult context, defensive choices de Sampaoli appear limited with only Faye, Nagida and Ait Boudlal available. In the midfield, Ahamada might be the only viable option. This precarious situation forces the Argentine coach to “see how tired the players are 48 hours after the match against Troyes”suggesting few changes in his starting lineup.

An attack in search of a spark

In attack, if Calimuendo is operational, it could be the only change compared to the previous team. Gouiridespite a disappointing performance, and Breathingwhose physical form is considered sufficient by Sampaoli “to play on the front trio”should retain their place. Whomstill uncertain, could miss the call, further limiting Rennes' offensive options.

A probable 3-4-3 composition

With these constraints, la composition probable of Sampaoli to face Brest should be as follows (in 3-4-3): Samba – Hateboer, Ostigard, Whoah – Assignon, James, Matusiwa, Truffert – Blas, Calimuendo, Breathe. An eleven significantly similar to the one seen recently, reflecting the limited options of the Rennes coach in this period of reconstruction.