AC Milan have won nine of 12 matches in Serie A at San Siro this season. But will our score predictor predict the Rossoneri to make the most of home field in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 playoff tie versus France’s Rennes?
Rennes have not played well on the road in Ligue 1 this term, posting a record of 3W-4D-3L and a goal difference of -1. However, domestic form may be thrown out the window in this European tie.
Although Rennes have not played well away from home this term, they do go into the match in fine form.
Gearing up for #UEL action! 💪⚽#ACMSRFC #SempreMilan Brought to you by @play_eFootball pic.twitter.com/e8I9nhNRu8— AC Milan (@acmilan) February 13, 2024
Gearing up for #UEL action! 💪⚽#ACMSRFC #SempreMilan Brought to you by @play_eFootball pic.twitter.com/e8I9nhNRu8
The Black and Red are unbeaten in their last 10 games in all competitions. Rennes won their last four matches ahead of the trip to San Siro.
AC Milan are also in good form ahead of the match on Thursday night. The Rossoneri are unbeaten in their last five games in all competitions, with four wins and one draw.
Four of those five games saw over 2.5 goals. Could we see a goal-fest at San Siro in the first leg?
It is unlikely that these teams will combine for a large number of goals. Why? The first leg of the Europa League last-16 playoff should be cagey, with neither side wanting to make a mistake and lose the tie.
Milan reached this stage by crashing out of the Champions League at the group stage. They finished third in a group featuring Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, and Newcastle United.
Rennes, on the other hand, finished second in their Europa League group. That group featured Maccabi Haifa, Villarreal, and Panathinaikos.
Arnaud Kalimuendo leads Rennes in goal scoring stats with 10 in all competitions. Meanwhile, teammates Benjamin Bourigeaud and Amine Gouiri are second in the team in scoring stats with seven apiece.
Enzo Le Fee and Fabian Rieder are both expected to miss the game due to injuries. Otherwise, Rennes should have a strong squad to play.
Olivier Giroud continues to roll back the clock. The Frenchman leads AC Milan in goals with 12 in all competitions. He should start in attack for Milan. Stefan Pioli won’t have the services of Pierre Kalulu due to a tendon injury.
The coach could have Davide Calabria, Fikayo Tomori, and Tommaso Pobega back in the team. All three are nearing returns from injury.
With both teams in form ahead of the first leg, our AI score prediction is for a nil-nil draw at San Siro. The cagey atmosphere of the first leg should leave everything to play for in the second leg.