UEFA Europa League Group I, Matchday 6

 Atlético Madrid - Stade Rennais FC

Live scoring from 21:05 cet

Europe hasn't been a happy hunting ground for Frédéric Antonetti's side, Les Rouge et Noir have yet to win a game and prop up the section. Their hopes of qualifying effectively ended when they lost to Celtic in Glasgow in early November. Atletico may top Group I but come into the match on the back of a 4-2 hiding by Espanyol in La Liga, a result that has saw the capital side drop to tenth and one which heaped more pressure on coach Gregorio Manzano.

Apam to complete long road back

Apam meanwhile, looks likely to be given his first Rennes start a year and a half after having meniscus surgery in the wake of his four million euro transfer from OGC Nice. The Nigerian, who won a silver medal at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, played for 90 minutes in a reserve fixture last Saturday against USJA Carquefou, the week before he managed an hour in another B team game.

Apam's likely return is one of a number of positives that could come out of the match according to Antonetti, "We've already been eliminated from this competition but it's still a very prestigious game for us," he said. "This match will let some players show their skills and it will also help us prepare ourselves for upcoming matches."

The Nigerian defender, who played over 100 times for Nice between 2006-10, has also been included in the squad to face Ligue 1 strugglers Ajaccio at the weekend.

Dalmat sidelined

While Apam seeks to create a future at Rennes, one man who looks to be on his way out is Stéphane Dalmat. The well-travelled midfielder, who has played for 11 senior clubs in his career, appears to no longer be part of Antonetti's plans and has not been included in the squad for either the Madid or Ajaccio matches. "Would it be good for him to leave and find another challenge? We have asked the question, and him too," said Antonetti. "He's a really good player, he has shown that many times but it has not worked out with us, something for which he is partly - but not entirely - responsible."

Dalmat, who has also played for Tottenham Hotspur, Lens, Marseille, Paris Saint-Germain, Toulouse, Racing Santander, Bordeaux and Sochaux, has half a season left on his contract with Rennes and could leave in January in a bid to find regular first team football.

>> Rennes club profile

Probable teams

Rennes : Diallo - Foulquier, Apam, Mandjeck, Mavinga - Pajot, Tettey - Jebbour, Doumbia, Brahimi - Montano.

Atletico Madrid : Courtois - Perea, Godin, Dominguez, Filipe Luis - Turan, Tiago, Gabi, Reyes - Diego - Falcao.