Rennes vs AC Milan Prediction: Rennes can win the battle but not the war

Rennes have given themselves a mountain to climb after their 3-0 first-leg defeat to AC Milan, but can restore some pride on Thursday evening (KO, 17:45) in their Europa League knockout round play-off tie.

The Ligue 1 outfit have been strong at Roazhon Park and given their form since the start of the year, are set to keep the Rossoneri on their toes in Brittany in this second leg.

Team News

Starting with the hosts, Julien Stephan made a number of changes for his side’s 3-1 home win over Clermont at the weekend.

Benjamin Bourigeaud and Desire Doue are set to return to the starting XI, but the game will come too soon for the likes of Enzo Le Fee, Fabian Rieder and Arnaud Kalimuendo.

As for Milan, boss Stefano Pioli made six changes to his side at the weekend and it showed in a 4-2 defeat at Monza.

The Rossoneri will revert to their strongest XI possible for the trip to France, but they will still be without the injured trio of Pierre Kalulu, Fikayo Tomori and captain Davide Calabria.

Match Odds

There is nothing to choose from between these sides in the match result market, with both Rennes and Milan at 8/5 to win in 90 minutes.

A stalemate on the night is available at 5/2, while both teams to score on at Roazhon Park is 4/5.

Rennes to win @ 8/5

Until their heavy defeat at San Siro, Rennes were flying at the start of 2024.

Prior to the trip to Milan, Stephan’s side had not lost since December 14 and had come out on top in all seven of their games in all competitions since the start of the year.

Rennes have also been excellent at home, with Les Rouge et Noirs currently on a four-game winning streak on their own patch in all competitions.

The Ligue 1 side might well be able to edge this one at Roazhon Park, against a Milan squad that will have seen its confidence taken a knock over the weekend against Monza.

Rennes are good value to come out on top in the 90 minutes but it’s hard to see them progressing to the last 16 of the competition.

#PickYourPunt - Martin Terrier to score anytime & Warmed Omari carded @ 9/1

Rennes forward Martin Terrier impressed at the weekend, scoring a brace in a comprehensive victory for Les Rouge et Noirs against Clermont.

Terrier now has five league goals for the season and is likely to be a real threat against Milan on Thursday night.

Going with Terrier to find the back of the net forms the first part of this #PickYourPunt selection, with Warmed Omari to be carded the second.

No player has more yellow cards for Rennes in Ligue 1 this season and the defender is likely to have a busy night trying to keep tabs on experienced striker Oliver Giroud.

Terrier to score and Omari to be booked comes in at an attractive 9/1 on the night.

Check out the rest of our Football Betting Tips here.