Guingamp and Rennes return from the French winter break with a meeting in the Coupe de France round-of-64 on Sunday afternoon.
At a time when Rennes sit down in 10th position in the Ligue 1 standings, Guingamp are in eighth spot in the Ligue 1 table.
Match preview
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Spending their fifth season in the second tier of French football, Guingamp's priority is to put themselves in a position where they can challenge for promotion.
Not so long ago, they compiled an eight-match unbeaten streak in Ligue 2, yet that was a period that included five draws and resulted in minimal progress.
Since then, three defeats - all by 1-0 scorelines - have been posted in four outings, leaving Stephane Dumont's team down in eighth spot, 13 points adrift of first place.
In the Coupe de France, Les Costarmoricains have managed to successfully negotiate two ties away at minnows in Saint-Malo and AG Caennaise, requiring penalties to overcome the former.
While this game represents a considerable step up in class, Dumont will want the club to draw on the memories of the 10th anniversary of Guingamp beating Rennes in the final of this competition back in May 2014.
Rennes boss Julien Stephan will be operating far more in the present as he attempts to lift a team that are enduring their worst campaign for a number of years.
Sitting in 10th and nine points off the European qualification spots has put Rennes in a predicament heading into the second half of the campaign, the saving grace being that they managed to reach the Europa League playoff round where they will now face AC Milan.
There were positive signs before the winter break after four points were collected from away fixtures at Toulouse and Clermont, but Stephan has a job on his hands to extend that run in the long term.
Les Rouge et Noirs - the 2019 winners - have not put together a three-game unbeaten streak in all competitions since October 1.
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Team News
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Given the gap between matches, Dumont is unlikely to make many alterations to the side that went down 1-0 at leaders Angers before Christmas.
Fourteen of their 24 league goals this campaign have come from three players in Amine El Ouazzani, Amadou Sagna and Baptiste Guillaume, and the trio are all expected to feature in the Guingamp XI.
Minimal changes are also anticipated with Rennes after they ended a winless streak with a 3-1 victory at Clermont.
However, two of their goals came in the closing stages from substitutes, Desire Doue and Ludovic Blas both getting on the scoresheet.
Of the pair, Ludovic Blas is most likely to feature, potentially in place of Martin Terrier who has largely been ineffective since his return from a serious injury.
Guingamp possible starting lineup:
Basilio; Sivis, Gomis, Riou, Ben Mohamed; Merghem, Louiserre, Sidibe, Sagna; El Ouazzani, Guillaume
Rennes possible starting lineup:
Mandanda; Wooh, Belocian, Theate; Doue, Fee, Santamaria, Nagida; Blas, Gouiri; Kalimuendo
We say: Guingamp 1-3 Rennes
With Rennes eager to kick-start their season, their strongest lineup possible should be expected, and that may lead to safe progression into the last 32. Guingamp could trouble them for a time, but we expect a ruthless showing from the visitors.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
