A place in the quarter-finals of the Coupe de France is on the line tonight, Tuesday, February 3, 2026, as Marseille welcomes Rennes to the Orange Vélodrome.
This clash features two managers at different stages of their projects: Roberto De Zerbi, who is fighting to stabilize a Marseille side reeling from a recent Champions League exit, and Habib Beye, who has revitalized Rennes this season despite a recent dip in league results.
Match Details
Fixture: Olympique de Marseille vs Stade Rennais FC
Competition: Coupe de France (Round of 16)
Date: Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Time: 20:10 GMT / 21:10 CET
Venue: Orange Vélodrome, Marseille
Referee: Thomas Léonard
Pre-Match Analysis
Marseille: Pressure on De Zerbi
Marseille enters this fixture looking for redemption. Despite a strong domestic season sitting in 3rd place in Ligue 1, they were recently crushed 3-0 by Club Brugge, ending their Champions League campaign. Manager Roberto De Zerbi has called for a response from his squad, emphasizing that the cup is now a primary target for silverware.
Marseille has been a scoring machine in the earlier rounds, dismantling Bayeux 9-0 and Bourg-en-Bresse 6-0. However, they face a significantly stiffer test tonight against a top-tier Ligue 1 rival.
Rennes: The Beye Revolution
Under Habib Beye, Rennes has climbed back into the European places in Ligue 1 (6th place). However, they arrive in Marseille during a minor slump, having failed to win their last three matches, including a disappointing 2-0 home loss to Lorient.
Beye has transformed Rennes into a technically proficient side, but their away form against the "big three" has been poor, suffering heavy defeats to PSG (5-0) and Monaco (4-0) recently. They will be desperate to prove they can compete on the biggest stages.
Team News & Injury Reports
Marseille Team News
Major Blow: Moroccan defender Nayef Aguerd was ruled out just hours ago after picking up an adductor injury in the final training session.
Injury Boost: Emerson Palmieri is back in the squad after recovering from a thigh injury, though he may be rested for the upcoming Classico against PSG.
New Signing: Midfielder Quinten Timber, recently signed from Feyenoord, is available to bolster the engine room.
Out: Valentin Rongier (now at Rennes, injured), Nayef Aguerd.
Rennes Team News
Transfer News: Rising star defender Jeremy Jacquet completed a high-profile move to Liverpool on deadline day but was loaned back to Rennes. However, he is unavailable tonight due to his medical schedule in England.
New Arrival: January signing Sebastien Szymanski is expected to make a start up front.
Out: Valentin Rongier (Calf), Jeremy Jacquet (Unavailable).
Predicted Starting Lineups
Marseille (3-4-2-1):
Rulli; Balerdi, Murillo, Medina; Weah, Højbjerg, Timber, Paixão; Greenwood, Traoré; Guirassy.
Rennes (3-4-3):
Samba; Seidu, Rouault, Boudlal; Frankowski, Camara, Cissé, Merlin; Blas, Embolo, Szymanski.
Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats
Venue Record: Rennes has a poor record at the Vélodrome, with Marseille winning both encounters at home last season.
Recent Form: Marseille has won 3 of their last 5, while Rennes is winless in their last 3.
Goal Trends: Marseille's last 7 matches have all seen Over 1.5 goals.
Last Meeting: Rennes won the most recent clash 1-0 in August 2025.
Prediction: Marseille 2-1 Rennes
Marseille’s home advantage and superior squad depth should see them through, especially with Rennes missing key defensive figures like Jacquet. While Beye's side is capable of scoring, the attacking trident of Greenwood, Traoré, and Guirassy is likely to be too much for the visitors to handle over 90 minutes.
Top Betting Tips:
Match Result: Marseille to Win (1.62). Their home form and the pressure on De Zerbi make them favorites.
Both Teams to Score: Yes. Marseille has conceded in 4 of their last 5 games, and Rennes has a potent attack.
Total Goals: Over 2.5. Both sides favor an attacking style, and cup games at the Vélodrome tend to be high-scoring.
