Stade Rennais vs PSG: Paris set to open their Ligue 1 campaign with several new faces

PSG tonight get their title defence underway, facing Rennes in a game that was supposed to take place at the Parc des Princes. Having beaten Aston Villa in the UEFA Super Cup, but lost to Lens in the Trophée des Champions, it’s been a strange pre-season for the European Champions, for whom two of the preseason games have effectively been finals, with trophies on the line.

Tonight the proper season gets under way, and PSG fans will see the two time Champions of Europe back in Ligue 1 action for a competitive fixture for the first time since the 10th of May, when they secured the title by beating Brest 1-0 courtesy of a goal from Désiré Doué.

PSG faces Rennes in Ligue 1 opener with several new signings expected to debut

Over the last few years, Rennes have often proven to be a worthy opponent for PSG, actually beating the Parisians on a few memorable occasions, including in the 2019 Coupe de France final. Rennes also came out on top in the last meeting between the two sides, winning 3-1 at Roazhon Park back in February. Luis Enrique will hope that tonight’s encounter proves a more rewarding one for PSG, as they seek to kick off their title defence in the best possible way.

Last season, Luis Enrique’s side rotated heavily in a lot of Ligue 1 games, especially early on in the season, and it is entirely possible he will opt for a similar strategy this time around, giving his key players time off in Ligue 1 games that he believes he can win without starting his strongest squad. New PSG acquisitions such as Ferran Torres, who has taken the number 9 shirt previously worn by Gonçalo Ramos, and Maghnes Akliouche, have been named in the squad for tonight’s game, and could both make their first league appearances for PSG.

Ferran Torres hasn’t played a minute of competitive football since the World Cup final on the 19th of July, in which he scored the winning goal late on in extra time. New signing from Ajax Amsterdam Mika Godts has also been included in the squad, and may also appear for PSG – his highlight reel from the Eredivisie has led many PSG fans to become excited about his acquisition by the club, who have strengthened depth in forward areas over the course of this summer.

Rennes, who finished 6th last season, therefore qualifying for the Europa League, will be hoping to cause un upset on the opening weekend of Ligue 1, having acquired Eliezer Mayenda from Sunderland for €22 million over the summer.

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