Can Angers expose Rennes’ defensive problems? Angers vs Rennes prediction — 06.09.2026
On Sunday, September 6, Angers welcome Rennes to Stade Raymond-Kopa in Matchday 3 of the 2026/27 Ligue 1 season. The hosts have collected three points from their opening two matches, while Rennes arrive with four, and the early evidence suggests this could become one of the more open games of the weekend.
- Also read: Ligue 1: Can Toulouse secure victory? Prediction for the match against Lille, September 3
Angers — an important victory, but defensive pressure remains
Stéphane Gilli’s side did not start the campaign well, losing 0-2 at home to Lille, but their response was impressive. Angers went to Auxerre and claimed a 3-1 victory, with Branco van den Boomen opening the scoring before Harouna Djibirin and Amine El Ouazzani struck in the second half. The result gave the SCO their first three points and, more importantly, showed that this team has enough attacking weapons to punish opponents when space appears.
However, the scoreline at Auxerre does not tell the entire story. Anthony Lopes had to make seven saves, underlining how much pressure Angers were forced to absorb. Against a Rennes side with greater individual quality in the final third, allowing a similar number of chances could be dangerous.
There are also important personnel issues in midfield. Captain Haris Belkebla remains sidelined after thigh surgery, while Louis Mouton has returned to collective training following meniscus surgery but was still unavailable for the previous league match. That leaves much of the responsibility in central areas with Yassin Belkhdim and Van den Boomen.
Rennes — plenty of attacking quality, but no defensive stability yet
Franck Haise’s Rennes have taken four points from their opening two rounds, but both matches highlighted the same pattern. They drew 2-2 with Paris Saint-Germain before beating newly promoted Le Mans 3-2, meaning the Bretons have already scored five goals but conceded four.
Estéban Lepaul remains the reference point in attack. Last season’s leading Ligue 1 scorer produced another decisive display against Le Mans, scoring twice, including the late penalty that secured all three points. Around him, Rennes have plenty of mobility through Mousa Al-Tamari, Issa Soumaré and the midfield combination of Valentin Rongier, Adrien Thomasson and Sebastian Szymański.
The attacking options have become even deeper following the arrival of Boulaye Dia from Lazio on September 1. The Senegal international may need time to integrate into Haise’s system, but his presence gives Rennes another experienced option in the final third.
The bigger concern is at the other end. Rennes have yet to keep a clean sheet this season, and Brice Samba missed the Le Mans match because of muscular discomfort. His availability for the trip to Angers remains a point to monitor, with Nicolas Lemaître ready to continue in goal if necessary.
Probable lineups
- Angers: Lopes — Arcus, Camara, Lefort, Kalulu — Belkhdim, Van den Boomen — Allevinah, Bermont, Sbaï — El Ouazzani.
- Rennes: Lemaître/Samba — Frankowski, Cresswell, Aït Boudlal, Merlin — Szymański, Rongier, Thomasson — Al-Tamari, Lepaul, Soumaré.
Match facts and head-to-head
Angers have scored three and conceded three goals in their first two league matches. Rennes have scored five and conceded four, with both teams scoring in each of Rennes’ opening fixtures. The two meetings between these clubs last season also produced goals at both ends: 1-1 in Angers and a 2-1 Rennes victory at Roazhon Park.
Rennes should create chances, but Angers are dangerous enough to respond
Rennes clearly have the deeper and more talented squad, and their midfield should allow them to control long stretches of possession. Lepaul’s form, the creativity of Thomasson and Szymański, and the additional attacking depth provided by Dia give the visitors several different ways to hurt Angers.
Still, backing Rennes to dominate without conceding looks risky. Haise’s team have already allowed four goals in two rounds, while Angers demonstrated at Auxerre that they can be efficient in transition and from set pieces. Van den Boomen’s delivery and shooting ability can be particularly important against a Rennes defence that has not yet settled.
The most convincing scenario is therefore an open match in which Rennes create the greater volume of chances but Angers also find opportunities in front of their home crowd.
Prediction: Both teams to score — Yes.
