Rennes - AC Milan predictions and free betting tips [22/02/2024]

On Thursday, 22 February, within the framework of the second leg of the Europa League 1/16 finals, Rennes will host Milan on their home ground. The Rossoneri claimed victory a week ago with a comfortable score of 3:0, meaning the Bretons will need a real miracle to advance to the next round.

Predicted Lineups

Rennes: Mandanda; G. Doue, Omari, Theate, Truffert; Bourigeaud, Matusiwa, Santamaria, D. Doue; Gouiri, Terrier.
Milan: Maignan; Florenzi, Gabbia, Kjaer, Hernandez; Adli, Reijnders; Pulisic, Loftus-Cheek, Leao; Giroud. 

Stadium

The clash will take place in Rennes at the Roazhon Park Stadium.   

Rennes

Last week, Rennes clearly lacked experience and character against one of the giants of Italian football, and now the Bretons have to do the impossible - make up a three-goal deficit. Meanwhile, the red-and-blacks prepared well for the first round of the playoffs, playing 9 matches undefeated in all competitions, including 8 consecutive victories. Over the past weekend, the hosts welcomed the last place team, Clermont, in the championship and achieved a convincing victory with a score of 3:1 - Martin Terrier scored a brace in the second half.

As a result, the red-and-black got closer to a European spot by two points - a couple of months ago the club's fans could only dream of this. The triumph over Sochaux and the ticket to the quarterfinals of the French Cup were also a result of the appointment of Julien Stephan as head coach after the resignation of Bruno Genesio. 

Milan

"It's not over yet," say the Milan players, responding to journalists after an almost perfect performance in the first leg in front of their Tifosi. Last autumn, the Rossoneri finished third in a Champions League "group of death" featuring PSG, Newcastle, and Borussia Dortmund. In the Championship, despite their respectable current 3rd place, the hosts were 8 points behind their neighbours - Inter Milan - before their trip to Monza last weekend. There, Stefano Pioli's men faced a cold shower: a 4:2 defeat and as a result, an 11-point handicap from the leader.

Luka Jovic was sent off early in the second half, and goals by Olivier Giroud and Christian Pulisic didn't help Milan. Moreover, the failure ended a successful run of 9 rounds without a loss in the championship, including 7 victories. Interesting fact: Milan have advanced to the next round of European cups 39 times out of 45 previous encounters after winning the first match at home. 

Head-to-Head

The match of a week ago ended with a crushing victory of the Rossoneri with a score of 3:0; before that the teams had never faced each other in history.   

Prediction for the Rennes – Milan match

Despite all the bold statements that the result of the clash is not yet predecided, the Rossoneri come to France with a sense of duty done - the visitors are fine even with a two-goal difference defeat. At the same moment, Rennes recognises the gap between the clubs in class and most likely would want to keep the forces at a minimum in this, essentially, non-decisive match. Both might field a couple of reserves - I take a gamble on the draw.  

Prediction on the Total

We're unlikely to see a plethora of goals at Roazhon Park. The hosts failed to upset Mike Maignan once at San Siro, whereas the visitors have essentially accomplished their task of advancing to the next round and will do their best to slow the game down. My prediction - total goals under 3.      

Prediction on Corners

Rennes have nothing left to lose - the team is left to please its fans with an entertaining football. The red-and-blacks are certain to make at least 5 corners by the end of the match.                                              

Prediction on Yellow Cards

Neither team is known for excessive roughness on the pitch (only one yellow card was shown by the main referee in the first match). I bet on the total cards under 3.5.                                           

Prediction on the Score

I bet on a precise score of 1:1