LILLE LOOK TO HOLD OFF CHALLENGERS - 8:27 AM, May. 12, 2006

Lille go into their final Ligue 1 game of the season against Rennes still uncertain of a second straight season of Champions League football.

The third-placed Les Dogues, who lie two points above nearest rivals Marseille, face Rennes in a must-win clash at Stade de le Route de Lorient.

The task will be all the more difficult, with the Breton side fighting for a place in the UEFA Cup.

"We are already qualified for the UEFA Cup but we don't think about it because our objective is the Champions League," Lille midfielder Mathieu Chalme told the club's official website, www.losc.fr.

"We would be extremely disappointed not to consolidate our place. It would be shame to lose it after all the efforts we have produced this season.

"The UEFA Cup would not be so bad but we'll do all we can to play in the Champions League."

Lille thrashed five-time French champions Lyon 4-0 last weekend but are taking nothing for granted against Rennes.

"Rennes are not fighting for third spot anymore following their goalless draw with Saint-Etienne but they can still book their ticket to the UEFA Cup and they will want a win," Chalme added.

"We expect a tough and tight encounter against Rennes whose offensive potential is a bit like that of Lyon."

Lille coach Claude Puel has a few worries in defence ahead of the clash.

Gregory Tafforeau, who has expressed his desire to leave the club, is sidelined, while Stathis Tavlaridis has a thing problem.

Rennes coach Lazslo Boloni will have to chose between strikers John Utaka and Alexander Frei up front.

Frei is leaving the Breton side at the end of the season to join Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund while Utaka, who had a knee problem, should be fit to play.

In defence, Cyril Jeunechamp (ankle) and Abdes Ouaddou are rated doutful.