Rennes host Arsenal on Thursday night in what should be an exciting Europa League first leg match. Rennes saw off Spanish side Real Betis in the tie of the round of 32, and now, they hope to see off one of the tournament’s favourites.
Arsenal go into the fixture unbeaten in their last four matches in all competitions. Manager Unai Emery will have nearly his entire squad to choose from as the Gunners aim for a big first leg win. Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette will be unavailable for the fixture. He received a straight red card in the round of 32 first leg tie against BATE Borisov.
The striker will serve the second match of his three-match ban. He won’t return to the competition until Arsenal make the quarterfinals, if they are able to get that far. Emery will also be without long-term absentees Rob Holding, Danny Welbeck, and Hector Bellerin.
The French hosts have two significant absentees. Former AC Milan and Watford striker M’Baye Niang and right-back Hamari Traore are both suspended. Rennes have been relatively inconsistent this season in all competitions. They just squeezed into the Europa League last-32 with nine points in Group K. It was one point better off than third-place Astana.
Rennes tallied a –1-goal difference during the group stage, but exploded for six goals against Betis in the round of 32. However, Rennes allowed four goals to the Spanish side over the two matches. In the first leg played in Rennes, the French team allowed Betis to come back from a 3-1 deficit to draw 3-3. Rennes have an ability to concede goals. They have allowed 36 goals in Ligue 1 this term while scoring 37.
Emery will return Petr Cech to the goalkeeper position as the former Czech international has been the manager’s preferred Europa League shot-stopper. Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Laurent Koscielny should have places in Arsenal’s central defence following their solid play in the North London Derby at the weekend. Midfielder Lucas Torreira will most likely start as he is suspended for Arsenal’s Premier League game on Sunday.
Arsenal have played eight matches in the Europa League. In four of those eight, the games have seen over 2.5 goals scored. In seven of Rennes’ eight Europa League games, there have been over 1.5 goals scored. Viewers should expect more than 2.5 goals when Rennes play Arsenal. The Gunner will just edge out their French opponents as both clubs fight for a place in the quarterfinals. It should be an exciting match for neutrals to watch.