Rennes welcome the visitors Arsenal in the Europa League Play-offs – 1/8 Finals. The match will be held on Thursday, March, 7th, at the Roazhon Park (Rennes).
It is quite a surprise to see the frugal Rennes at such a late Europa League stage. That said, the hosts on the day are nearly the sole European contender who have no ambitions in the national league. Some compete for the European places, others look to get the gold medals, while the third try to escape the relegation. As far as Rennes are concerned, they just sit in the middle of the Ligue 1 table, having not much motivation there. So, why not to throw all their resources toward the Europa League? The homeside were considered outsiders yet in the 1/16 final when they clashed with the Spanish Real Betis, but they’ve successfully progressed further with a combined scoreline of 6:4 (two legs). According to the pundits, the coming match will not bring much success to Rennes, but there are no grounds yet for such a judgment. The team’s performance in their stadium is very solid. Rennes suffer no loss in twelve rounds in a row. Impressive indeed, especially given that the team’s successful streak counts league fixtures, cup tiers, and continental matches. Considering the hosts’ non-hectic schedule and their quality home performance, in no way they are pushovers in the match against Arsenal.
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The ‘Gunners’ are classic homeplayers. Within the comfort of their stadium, they conceded only to the English toppers, whereas on travels, they are horrible. Of ten previous outings, Arsenal won only two. The first win, 3:0, was registered in the cup match against Blackpool who compete in the lower English division. The second victory, 2:1, was attained in the meeting with Huddersfield Town whose table placement speaks volumes. Thus, the 2:1 win over the ‘Terriers’ does not look solid at all. All other Arsenal’s trips saw their losses and draws. The team’s clash with BATE in the 1/16 final was nothing short of dismal. Unai Emery’s side conceded out, 1:0, then they won on their soil, 3:0, though the second leg BATE lost to themselves, as they made a number of silly mistakes, netting own goals. Notably, Arsenal failed to score from set-pieces – they made two corner goals and featured one opponents’ own goal.
The English Premiere League is in high gear these days – Arsenal may either end third or may come up with just the sixth place. So, they have to be extremely cautious there, competing on two fronts (not succeeding much, frankly speaking). We are not very positive about their coming trip to the French.
Rennes are blistering on their turf, registering no defeats in over ten matches. Arsenal are miserable away. Therefore, we’re betting on the hosts’ no-loss. Building on the ‘Gunners’’ class is not right, as to us, as the team don’t boast any class these days.
Prediction for the match: Rennes to win or Draw.
