Milan vs Rennes Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips

• Match: Milan vs Rennes
• Tournament: UEFA Europa  League 23/24: Play-off Round, 1st Leg
• Date: Thursday, 15 February
• Kick-off Time: 8.00 PM (GMT)
• Stadium: San Siro

AC Milan vs Rennes Preview

After a two-month-long hiatus, the UEFA Europa League will commence again with the knockout play-off round. AC Milan started their European journey in the Champions League at the start of the season. However, after finishing third in Group F which consisted of PSG, Newcastle and Dortmund, Milan find themselves in the Europa League. The Italians were unlucky not to progress from the ‘Group of Death’ as they finished at par on points with PSG. Unfortunately, their goal difference held them back. 

Meanwhile, Rennes won four games in their Europa League group stage and only faced stiff competition from Villarreal, who beat them in both ties. Stade Rennais finished second in their group 1 point behind table toppers Villarreal. 

With both clubs looking to seal their place in the round of 16 of the UEFA Europa League, the battle is set to be competitive. Milan and Rennes have never faced each other before, and the game at San Siro will be their first face off. Rennes has faced only two Italian teams before in Europe. They faced Lazio in the 19/20 season and Udinese more than a decade ago in the 2010/11 campaign.

Simultaneously, this will be Milan’s 51st meeting with French opposition in a major European competition. Out of the fifty ties, Milan have won 27 games, while losing only 13. Milan head into the fixture with more experience and a stronger side, but the French club won’t bow out without a fight. 

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Team News

AC Milan:

Milan head into the battle against Rennes with a composed 1-0 victory against rivals Napoli on the weekend. The clean sheet will certainly boost the confidence of the Italian club ahead of the UEL fixture, as they are currently suffering a shortage of central defenders due to injuries and have been leaky in defense. 

The Rossoneri will rue the absence of English defender Fikayo Tomori who suffered a horrible thigh injury in December. Milan will also face Rennes without the services of defender Pierre Kalulu whose tendon injury in late October continues to sideline him. German defender Malick Thiaw is also doubtful for the game at San Siro as he recovers from the hamstring injury he suffered in November.

AC Milan also suffered a massive blow on the weekend, as captain Davide Calabria was subbed off in the 37th minute against Napoli with an injury to his left adductor muscle. The club has kept the injury under wraps till now, and it isn’t confirmed when Davide will be back. Reports out of Italy claim that Davide will be out until the return leg against Rennes later this month.

However, not all news for Milan is tragic. Nigerian forward Samuel Chukwueze is back in the squad after finishing his AFCON campaign with Nigeria. His electric pace on the flank and in the middle will certainly boost the Italian side.

Rennes

Meanwhile, the French camp will travel to Italy after a dominant 1-0 victory against Le Havre in Ligue 1. Rennes’ attack has recently been in fine form, scoring 9 goals in the last three games. The French side head into the game happier of the two teams as they will travel only without the services of Fabian Riedder and Enzo Le Fee, who are expected to be back in March. While Rennes’ goal scorer on the weekend, Benjamin Bourigeaud, suffered an injury scare, he is expected to be completely okay for the midweek fixture.

Predicted Lineups

AC Milan Predicted XI:

Mike Maignan (GK), Alessandro Florenzi, Simon Kjær, Matteo Gabbia, Theo Hernández (C), Ismael Bennacer, Tijjani Reijnders, Christian Pulišić, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Rafael Leão, Olivier Giroud

Stade Rennais Predicted XI:

Steve Mandanda (C, GK), Guéla Doué, Warmed Omari, Arthur Theate, Adrien Truffert, Benjamin Bourigeaud, Azor Matusiwa, Baptiste Santamaria, Desire Doué, Martin Terrier, Arnaud Kalimuendo

Head-to-Head Record:

This is the first time AC Milan vs Rennes will take place. 

Prediction:

AC Milan head into the battle as favorites against underdogs Rennes. However, given the amount of defenders out injured for AC Milan, it will be a tough contest. Stade Rennais are expected to sit back in a defensive shell and attack if an opportunity to counter arises. Rennes will hope to go into the return leg at home with no goals conceded. 

Milan will look to dominate the game through the flanks, and the return of Samu Chukwueze will be an added benefit. 

Prediction: AC Milan 2-0 Stade Rennais

Betting Tips and Odds:

AC Milan are expected to win by several bookmakers.

• AC Milan: 8/13 
• Draw: 3/1
• Rennes: 17/4
• Betting tips via bet365. (Odds subject to change)

Where to watch AC Milan vs Rennes:

• India: Sony Liv, Sony Sports Network
• United Kingdom: TNT Sports
• US: CBS Sport
• France:  MyUEFA
• Italy: DAZN Sky Sport

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