Rennes-Shakhtar Donetsk is the return match of the Europa League round of 16 play-offs, to be played on Thursday at 21:00: predictions.
In the first leg seven days ago in neutral in Warsaw, Rennes showed their usual strengths and weaknesses, but returned to France with a 2-1 defeat that will force them to make a comeback.
Although on the whole more dangerous than Shakhtar Donetsk – who appeared less rusty than previously thought due to the winter break in the Ukrainian league – Bruno Genesio’s side ended up paying for too many mistakes in the first half, which ended 2-0 to the Orange. Former Lyon man Toko Ekambi’s goal at the start of the second half, however, kept alive the Rossoneri’s hopes of qualification, as they needed to win by at least two goals to qualify for the round of 16. Rennes are currently fifth in Ligue 1 but even in the cup they have once again shown themselves to be an inconsistent team. This is perfectly explained by the latest league games, in which Gouiri and his team-mates have scored three wins and as many defeats.
Rennes at home is another team
An indecipherable team that, despite not being able to find continuity, nonetheless boasts the best home performance in the French domestic competition: Genesio’s men at Roazhon Park have recorded 11 wins and two defeats, scoring a staggering 30 goals, the best home attack alongside the ‘Martians’ Psg.
Doku and Mykhaylichenko
The Rossoneri coach will take advantage of this, having immediately returned to winning ways in Ligue 1, achieving a convincing 2-0 victory over Clermont. Shakhtar, on the other hand, did not play at the weekend, and their championship will only resume next weekend. Igor Jovicevic’s team surprised everyone with the way they handled the first round of this challenge, even though they had only played friendlies in recent months and had to deal with the sale of their best player, Mudryk, who moved to Chelsea in January.
The Prediction
A Rennes victory is conceivable in a stadium where they have lost only two games this season. The Rossoneri should at least be able to eliminate the disadvantage by exploiting the home factor. They remain the favourites for qualification.
Rennes-Shakhtar Donetsk matchday squad
- RENNES (4-3-3): Mandanda; Spence, Rodon, Theate, Truffert; Bourigeaud, Santamaria, Tait; Doku, Gouiri, Toko-Ekambi.
- SHAKHTAR DONETSK (4-2-3-1): Trubin; Konoplia, Matviyenko, Bondar, Mykhaylichenko; Sudakov, Stepanenko; Zubkov, Bondarenko, Petryak; Traoré.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-0
