PREVIEW: WEEKEND FRENCH ACTION Arch Bell - Thursday, November 19, 2009
Carlos Bocanegra and Rennes look to break out of their slump when they host Le Mans on Saturday at Route de Lorient in Rennes.
Rennes - Le Mans
Bocanegra has mostly been a starter all season long for head coach Frédéric Antonetti on the team's back line but there could still be some question as to whether or not the American gets the nod for the first 11.
The California native was substituted out of their last league match back on November 7th in a 3-0 loss at Toulouse. The switch occurred after Toulouse's first goal which suggests that Antonetti may start the USMNT captain on the bench for Saturday's affair.
The loss from two weeks ago has only compounded the problems being suffered by Les Rouges et Noirs who have managed only one win in their last six outings. The defense has been porous of late with six goals allowed in their last two matches.
After a strong start to the season, the string of lopsided defeats and poor results have dropped Rennes to 13th in the Ligue 1 standings.
Le Mans have not fared much better as the club hailing from Europe's auto-racing center has yet to shift out of first gear so far this year.
The visitors sit in next to last place with eight points and can thank hapless Grenoble for sparing them the indignation of last place.
Jerome Leroy, Chris Woods and Moussa Ndiaye Cheikh Sow are the listed injuries for Rennes while Le Mans head coach Paulo Duarte will be missing Brazilian defender Antonio Geder due to a three match suspension and Norwegian midfielder Fredrik Strømstad because of injury.
Notes
Charlie Davies continues to recuperate from multiple injuries he sustained in an October auto accident and will not take part in Sochaux's home contest versus Nice.
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