Sevilla went to Stamford Bridge on Champions League matchday 1 and left with a nil-nil draw. Los Rojiblancos now host France’s Rennes on matchday 2 of the competition.
Rennes are in their first-ever Champions League campaign and going up against the masters of the Europa League on matchday 2. The Red and Black claimed a 1-1 draw versus Russia’s Krasnodar on matchday 1, conceding a goal just minutes after scoring in the second half.
¡Vuelve la @LigadeCampeones! Estamos R E A D Y para el partido de esta noche. 💪Recuerda que puedes pedir la serigrafía especial con tu camiseta de #UCL#TiendaSFC #WeareSevilla— Sevilla Fútbol Club (@SevillaFC) October 28, 2020
¡Vuelve la @LigadeCampeones! Estamos R E A D Y para el partido de esta noche. 💪Recuerda que puedes pedir la serigrafía especial con tu camiseta de #UCL#TiendaSFC #WeareSevilla
Champions League Group E is wide open after matchday 1 as both group games finished in draws. Chelsea and Sevilla are the teams sportsbooks expect to go through based on odds. However, Rennes and Krasnodar hope to throw a spanner in the works.
Julen Lopetegui’s team are not in good form heading into the game. Sevilla are four games without a win and two of those matches finished in losses. Los Rojiblancos suffered a shock 1-0 loss at home over the weekend to Eibar.
Rennes also suffered a setback at the weekend with a 2-1 loss to Angers at home. The loss is likely to see Julien Stephan’s team to fall away from contending for the Ligue 1 title, which is what they flirted with in the early stages of the campaign.
Stephan’s team have scored 17 times in all competitions and average 1.89 goals for per game. They have conceded 11 goals and average 1.22 goals allowed each match. Their last four games in all competitions saw both teams find the back of the net.
Sevilla have scored just five goals in all competitions after six games. For a team that looked so impressive winning the Europa League, Sevilla have been anything but impressive this term in front of goal.
Defensively they have been sound conceding just four goals in all competition for an average of 0.67 goals per match. Their last four games in all competitions all ended with under 2.5 goals scored.
Lopetegui could have three players out of action on Wednesday night. Sergio Escudero and Oussama Idrissi are both fighting for fitness but neither is likely to make the team. Centre-back Jules Kounde remained out of action for Sevilla at the weekend as he recovers from a positive COVID-19 test.
Rennes players Faitout Maouassa and Mbaye Niang are both ruled out of the Champions League match. Niang is expected back next month.
Sevilla have far more European experience than Rennes and that experience should bubble to the top in midweek. Los Rojiblancos have a Europa League win hangover, but should make the most of a home game versus Rennes.
Lopetegui will lead Los Rojiblancos to a win in a low-scoring game. Expect under 2.5 goals as Sevilla take all three points.