A place in the quarter-finals of the Coupe de France is at stake 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: TBD
Pre-Match Analysis
Marseille: High Pressure for De Zerbi
Marseille enters this fixture in a "volcanic" state. After a crushing 3-0 defeat to Club Brugge in the Champions League and a disappointing 2-2 draw with Paris FC, manager Roberto De Zerbi has publicly stated he is "ready to go to war" to fix the team's inconsistencies.
While they sit comfortably in 3rd place in Ligue 1, the cup represents their most realistic path to silverware this year. Their early cup rounds were masterclasses in dominance, winning by an aggregate score of 15-0, but Rennes provides a significantly higher level of opposition.
Rennes: The Beye Revolution
Since taking over, Habib Beye has transformed Rennes from a 12th-place finish last season into a top-six contender. However, they have hit a "rough patch" in 2026, losing consecutive league games to Monaco (4-0) and Lorient (2-0).
Beye’s side is known for its high possession and tactical flexibility, but their defensive record on the road has been a major concern lately. They will be looking to break a long-standing curse: Rennes hasn't won a competitive match at the Vélodrome since 2017.
Team News & Injury Reports
Marseille Team News
Late Blow: Star defender Nayef Aguerd was ruled out just hours ago with an adductor injury sustained in the final training session.
Out: Emerson Palmieri (thigh) is still in recovery.
Transfer Activity: Midfielder Angel Gomes completed a deadline-day loan move to Wolverhampton Wanderers and is no longer with the squad.
Player to Watch: Mason Greenwood. He remains OM’s most dangerous offensive weapon and will be relied upon to unlock a shaky Rennes backline.
Rennes Team News
Injury Woes: Captain Valentin Rongier (calf) and midfielder Fofana are sidelined.
Transfer Talk: Rising star Jeremy Jacquet is reportedly finalizing a £60m move to Liverpool, leaving his availability for tonight in doubt.
Player to Watch: Esteban Lepaul. The forward has been highly active recently, averaging over 2.5 shots per game, and will lead the line alongside Breel Embolo.
Predicted Starting Lineups
Marseille (3-4-2-1):
De Lange; Pavard, Balerdi, Medina; Weah, Højbjerg, Timber, Igor Paixão; Greenwood, Traoré; Amine Gouiri.
Rennes (3-4-3):
Samba; Seidu, Boudlal, Brassier; Frankowski, Camara, Cissé, Merlin; Al-Tamari, Embolo, Lepaul.
Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats
Venue Record: Rennes has not won at the Vélodrome in nearly 9 years.
Recent H2H: Marseille won both encounters last season, though Rennes won their most recent meeting 1-0 in August 2025.
Cup Pedigree: Marseille has won the Coupe de France 10 times, but their last title was back in 1989.
Clean Sheets: Marseille has kept 15 clean sheets in 20 league games this season under De Zerbi's tactical system.
Prediction: Marseille 2-1 Rennes
Marseille's home advantage and the immense pressure on De Zerbi to deliver a result should see them edge a close contest. While Rennes has the tactical quality to frustrate the hosts, their recent defensive lapses and the absence of Rongier might be the deciding factor against a motivated OM attack.
Top Betting Tips:
Match Result: Marseille to Win. (1.62). They are formidable at home and need this win to restore confidence.
Both Teams to Score: Yes. With Aguerd out for OM and Rennes' recent defensive struggles, both sides are likely to find the net.
Anytime Goalscorer: Amine Gouiri. The former Rennes man often steps up in big games against his old clubs.
