Strasbourg vs Rennes Preview: Predictions, Team News, Lineups

Mo. Basuony

Published: April 19, 2026 11:06 AM ET

Strasbourg vs Rennes Preview: Predictions, Team News, Lineups

Strasbourg host Stade Rennais at the Stade de la Meinau on Sunday in a crucial Ligue 1 match. A seven-point gap separates the clubs, with both chasing European football.

Form and momentum

Strasbourg arrive with strong form. They beat Mainz 05 4-0 in the UEFA Conference League quarter-final on Thursday.

That win booked Strasbourg a place in the competition semi-finals for the first time. They became the 13th French club to reach a European semi-final. The last new French entrant was RC Lens in 2000.

Gary O’Neil took charge in January. His side are hard to break down since his arrival. In Ligue 1 they have not lost since early February defeats to PSG and Le Havre.

Le Racing have a seven-match unbeaten league run. That sequence includes three wins and four draws. They won 3-1 at OGC Nice two weeks ago.

Across all competitions, Strasbourg have lost once in their last 12 matches. They have also reached the Coupe de France semi-finals. A win on Sunday would cut the gap to four points, aided by a game in hand.

Rennes response and away form

Rennes regained a European place with consecutive wins over Brest and Angers. Their latest league win was 2-1 at Angers.

Marius Louer and Mousa Tamari scored in that game. Prosper Peter pulled one back for Angers.

Franck Haise’s side have lost only once in eight league matches. They sit sixth in Ligue 1, three points behind third-placed Lille.

Rennes have won each of their last three away matches. Their away record reads six wins, four draws and four defeats from 14 games. That ranks fourth in the division.

Haise became the first Rennes coach to win his first three top-flight away games since taking charge on February 18. Rennes have not won in their last two league trips to Strasbourg. They beat Strasbourg 4-1 in the reverse fixture in November.

Key statistics

Strasbourg are through to their first European semi-final.
They are the 13th French club to reach a European semi-final.
Strasbourg: one loss in last 12 matches across competitions.
Rennes: one defeat in last eight Ligue 1 games.
Rennes away record: 6 wins, 4 draws, 4 defeats from 14 matches.

Team news and absences

Several injuries and suspensions affect selection. Filmogaz.com outlines the main availability issues below.

Strasbourg will miss loanee centre-back Aaron Anselmino. He is sidelined with a hamstring issue.
Midfielder Junior Mwanga is out with a shoulder problem.
Joaquin Panichelli suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury last month. He will be absent until the 2026-27 season.
Guela Doue is expected to recover from illness and return to the squad.
Rennes are mostly fit. Jeremy Jacquet is a confirmed absentee after surgery earlier in the year.
Arnaud Nordin is a doubt. Valentin Rongier is suspended and will miss the trip.