Rennes vs Guingamp - Friendlies Clubs

When Rennes and Guingamp clash at the home ground on July 17, 2026, the stakes extend well beyond a single result — this is a Friendlies Clubs fixture that carries real weight for both clubs. The 18‑year‑old midfielder featured off the bench in the Foxes’ Carabao Cup first‑round tie last weekend, but could still depart before the window closes.

Both camps will view the Friendlies Clubs meeting at the home ground as an opportunity to put a marker down, regardless of where they currently stand. The hosts will hope that the the home ground crowd can inspire a performance, whatever the numbers suggest. The visitors will back themselves to cause problems and will not make the trip expecting an easy afternoon. But the Reds are still unsure about Bologna's asking price for the defender, who turned 28 in June and has less than 12 months to run on his contract at the Serie A side.

The tactical battle could prove decisive. Rennes may lean on their home advantage to dictate the tempo, but Guingamp have shown they can be dangerous when allowed to play on their own terms. After the loss, a lot of questions began to be raised about their different approach to preparing for the game.

Game-changers are scattered across both line-ups, and the contest may well be decided by which side's match-winners deliver on the day. Whoever wins the individual duel between the two sides' chief playmakers is likely to dictate the rhythm and, ultimately, the destination of the points. He cuts inside from the right, jinxes past a defender, before his shot is saved by Esquivel.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. A share of the spoils looks the most probable outcome, with neither side holding a decisive edge — a 1-1 draw feels like a fitting result. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Liverpool's midfield wasn't great last year but I expect Florian Wirtz to have a better season, 100 per cent.