All you need to know for Paris Saint-Germain vs Rennes!
History, stakes and the keys to victory! Here is all you need to know about the Trophée des Champions 2019 between Paris Saint-Germain and Stade Rennais in Shenzhen.
A little history lesson...
This is the 73rd official meeting between the two sides with Paris winning 38, drawing 16 and losing 18. The most recent match between the two was the 2019 Coupe de France final. This is the second time that the Trophée des Champions is a repeat of the Coupe de France after 1998 between Lens and... Paris Saint-Germain!
This is Rennes debut appearance in the competition while the Ligue 1 champions are making a record 12th appearance and looking for a record ninth win! Paris Saint-Germain have scored at least two goals in their last six Trophée des Champions wins (16 goals in total).
The stakes...
Start the season in the best possible way! The Trophée des Champions is the curtain raiser for the new season and after an excellent China Tour 2019, Paris Saint-Germain want to return home with the Cup - a 40th piece of silverware for the club's cabinet!
It is also a great opportunity to see the new recruits in action, including Spanish duo Ander Herrera and Pablo Sarabia who look likely to play their first competitive minutes in Rouge et Bleu.
The keys to victory...
With Neymar Jr and Julian Draxler suspended, Thomas Tuchel can count on Kylian Mbappé, in fine form already, as well as Edinson Cavani, Paris Saint-Germain's all-time top scorer against Rennes with six goals.
After ten days in Asia, ten days of intense physical training, fitness will be one of the deciding factors of the outcome. The Parisians have spoken about the oppressive heat and humidity in their recent interviews in China. Pre-season training that should pay off in the long term.