Paris Saint-Germain open their Ligue 1 campaign against Rennes, with the fixture switched to Roazhon Park due to a poor pitch condition at the Parc des Princes.
PSG come into the match after a difficult UEFA Super Cup victory over Aston Villa, with the English side pushing them all the way. Luis Enrique will be pleased to have another continental trophy in the cabinet, but his attention will now turn to Ligue 1 and the challenge of winning the title again.
The Parisians also missed out on the Trophee des Champions last weekend, losing 1-0 to Lens. Nevertheless, they remain the favourites to win Ligue 1 for a sixth consecutive season, which would move them closer to Lyon’s record of seven straight titles.
If PSG beat Rennes, they would extend their unbeaten league run to four matches and maintain their excellent record in domestic season openers. They have also not lost a Ligue 1 fixture played in August during this decade.
Franck Haise is preparing for his first full season in charge of Rennes after making an encouraging impact since taking over in February. The Brittany club lost only three domestic matches during that period and won eight of their final 12 league games, giving supporters plenty of reason to be optimistic.
Rennes had a terrible recent record against PSG away from home, but with the switch of venue, and now the former-visitors could be in a position of control to a certain degree. They have also lost their last two Ligue 1 opening-day fixtures on the road and have not won their first away league match of the season during this decade.
Rennes have lost only twice in the league in 2026, while they will also aim to beat PSG in consecutive Ligue 1 meetings for the first time in three years after recording a 3-1 victory over the champions at home last season.
Rennes travel to Roazhon Park without Mahdi Camara, who is suspended for the opening fixture. His absence is a setback, particularly against a PSG side that will look to dominate possession and control the midfield.
Brice Samba is expected to start in goal, with Anthony Rouault likely to lead the defensive line. Rennes’ full-backs will need to remain alert throughout the match, as PSG’s wide players will be looking to attack them one-on-one.
Valentin Rongier could be given the responsibility of shielding the defence and breaking up PSG’s attacks. Rennes will need to remain compact in midfield and prevent Vitinha and Joao Neves from finding space between the lines.
Arnaud Nordin and Musa Al-Taamari are likely to provide pace and width on the counter-attack. Esteban Lepaul should lead the line and will need to be clinical whenever opportunities arrive.
Probable Line-up (4-2-3-1) – Samba; Frankowski, Rouault, Brassier, Merlin; Rongier, Thomasson; Al-Taamari, Szymanski, Soumare; Lepaul
PSG will be without Nuno Mendes, who is suspended for three matches following his red card against Lens in the Trophée des Champions. Lucas Digne is expected to replace him at left-back, while Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye could remain out of the squad amid uncertainty over their futures.
Luis Enrique still has plenty of attacking options, especially after the arrivals of Maghnes Akliouche and Mika Godts. The manager should therefore be able to name a strong team despite Mendes’ absence.
Achraf Hakimi is expected to start at right-back, with Marquinhos and Willian Pacho likely to form the centre-back partnership. Digne’s experience could prove useful as PSG adjust to the absence of their first-choice left-back. Vitinha will be central to PSG’s build-up and will look to dictate the tempo from midfield. Warren Zaire-Emery and Joao Neves could provide energy around him, particularly when PSG lose possession.
Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are expected to form the front three, with Dembélé likely to operate through the middle and create space for the two wide attackers.
Probable Line-up (4-3-3) – Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Digne; Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Joao Neves; Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia
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Kvaratskhelia is one of the biggest stars in this PSG team and could take on an even greater role this season. The Georgian has been an outstanding performer since joining from Napoli 18 months ago, and there is a strong argument that he has been one of the club’s most consistent attacking players.
With Barcola linked with a move away, Kvaratskhelia could be given greater responsibility despite PSG signing Godts as a potential replacement for the French winger.
The Georgian will be one of the main players in focus as PSG begin their Ligue 1 campaign. His dribbling, movement and creativity could make the difference against a Rennes defence likely to sit deep.
Rennes should have their moments, particularly when they counter-attack, and they possess enough quality to find a way onto the scoresheet. If they remain organised during the opening stages, they could make PSG work hard for their chances.
However, PSG have too much quality across the pitch to be contained for the full 90 minutes. Once the game opens up, the attacking talent of Dembélé, Doué and Kvaratskhelia should make the difference, with the champions expected to begin their title defence with a 3-1 victory.
