Olympique de Marseille prepares to host Rennes in a crucial Ligue 1 season finale, with a coveted European spot hanging in the balance. The Marseillais must secure a victory at the Stade Vélodrome to clinch qualification for the Europa League. Here’s a detailed look at the probable lineups, broadcast information, and kick-off time for this pivotal encounter.

Despite their recent away win against Le Havre, confidence within the Marseille squad remains low heading into the final matchday. While securing three points in Normandy kept their European aspirations alive, the overall performance at the Stade Océane offered little reassurance. The team continues to appear defensively vulnerable, and their attacking prowess has significantly waned, a stark contrast to a more dynamic offensive phase once associated with Roberto De Zerbi.

A fascinating subplot unfolds at the Vélodrome as former Rennes manager Habib Beye prepares to face Franck Haise, the very individual who succeeded him on the Rennes bench after Beye’s dismissal in February. Since taking charge, Haise has successfully revitalized the Breton squad, steering them to an impressive record of eight wins, one draw, and just two defeats in 11 Ligue 1 fixtures.

In contrast, over the same period in Ligue 1, Marseille has managed only five victories, one draw, and five losses. This disparity highlights the pressure on coach Beye to demonstrate his tactical acumen against a seasoned counterpart and find effective solutions to his team’s glaring deficiencies.

As Beye reflects on his tenure in Marseille in the coming months, he will be unable to attribute shortcomings solely to his players or external media narratives. On paper, the Marseille squad boasts superior talent compared to their opponents, a situation mirrored in past disappointing results against Lorient, Nice, and Nantes (one draw and two defeats). The onus is firmly on him to ensure a positive conclusion to the season.

The atmosphere at the Stade Vélodrome is anticipated to be anything but supportive, potentially even hostile. However, the Olympiens are likely growing accustomed to such an environment. Regardless, this match remains critical for the 2026-2027 season, as a win would allow OM to seize the fifth position, currently held by the Bretons with a three-point advantage, thereby guaranteeing a Europa League berth.

om-rennes: head-to-head record

Rennes and Olympique de Marseille have clashed 117 times in Ligue 1 history. Marseille holds the upper hand with 50 victories, compared to 34 wins for Rennes and 33 draws. The Bretons, notably, have struggled to secure positive results at the Vélodrome in recent years.

the last five om-rennes encounters

• 17/05/2025: Olympique de Marseille 4:2 Stade Rennais FC
• 03/12/2023: Olympique de Marseille 2:0 Stade Rennais FC
• 18/09/2022: Olympique de Marseille 1:1 Stade Rennais FC
• 19/09/2021: Olympique de Marseille 2:0 Stade Rennais FC
• 10/03/2021: Olympique de Marseille 1:0 Stade Rennais FC.

om-rennes: probable lineups

Habib Beye faces selection challenges, with Nayef Aguerd and Hamed Traoré currently receiving treatment abroad. Geoffrey Kondogbia, CJ Egan-Riley, and Bilal Nadir are all considered doubtful for the match.

For Rennes, Jérémy Jacquet and Lucas Rosier are unavailable. Goalkeeper Brice Samba is suspended.

Marseille’s probable starting XI: Rulli – Pavard, Balerdi, Medina – Weah, Timber, Højbjerg, Emerson – Greenwood, Gouiri, Paixão.

Rennes’ probable starting XI: Silistrie – Nagida, Aït-Boudlal, Rouault, Merlin – Rongier, Szymanski, Camara – Blas, Al-Tamari, Lepaul.

om-rennes: kick-off time

The highly anticipated match between Olympique de Marseille and Rennes is scheduled for Sunday, May 17th. Kick-off will be at 21h00 at the iconic Stade Orange Vélodrome.

om-rennes: tv channel information

Viewers can catch the OM-Rennes fixture live on Ligue 1+ 2. Ligue 1+ will also provide comprehensive coverage of the multiplex matches concurrently taking place.