AC Milan vs Rennes Prediction & Betting Tips (15 February)

Despite their hard-won 8 points, AC Milan did not validate their ticket for the round of 16 of the Champions League. The Rossoneri must indeed be content with 3rd place in an extremely tough Group F. Victorious against Newcastle at Saint James Park 1-2 and against PSG by the same score, the Rossoneri logically become one of the favorites in the Europa League. A new challenge for a club which had almost never had the opportunity to shine in this competition. In the championship, the Milanese have already fallen significantly behind the interist leader by 8 points but are on the other hand almost guaranteed to finish in the Top 4. With confidence, the Lombard team has not conceded any setbacks during the last 9 days 7 wins and 2 draws. After being held to a draw at home by Bologna 2-2, AC Milan defeated Frosinone 2-3 and Napoli last weekend 1-0. Present in Group D of this Europa League, Rennes easily finished in the top 2. Unfortunately, the Rouge et Noir had to settle for 2nd place in the standings following a defeat at home against Villarreal on the final day 2-3.

On the national scene, the Bretons had a first part of the season unworthy of their ambitions. The poor results led to the departure of coach Bruno Genesio in mid-November. Under the orders of Julien Stéphan, Rennes displays a completely different face. Martin Terrier's teammates have been running at full speed for several weeks. Indeed, they have not lost any of their last 9 matches played in all competitions, 7 wins and 2 draws. After crushing Sochaux in the Coupe de France 1-6, Rennes won at Le Havre last weekend 0-1, which allows it to move up to 7th place in Ligue 1 and put itself back in the race for the title. 'Europe.

AC Milan has not been spared from injuries since the start of the season. This week, we find in the infirmary the starting defenders Calabria, Thiaw and Tomori, the interesting Kalulu and Pobega and the replacements Mirante and Caldara. Defeated in the CAN final last weekend with Nigeria, winger Chukwueze is announced as doubtful for this Europa League play-off. The attacking trio should in any case be made up of the captains Pulisic (6 goals and 5 assists in SA), Rafael Leao (3 goals and 7 assists in SA) and Giroud (11 goals and 8 assists in SA). Full-back Theo Hernandez and midfielder Loftus-Cheek also play a major role for the Rossoneri, as does goalkeeper Maignan. Despite the surprise departure of Matic, the Rennes strengthened during the transfer window with the arrival of Matusiwa (ex-Reims), and that of defender Seidu (ex-Clermont). Hit in the foot, Fabian Rieder is unavailable for this match as is the important midfielder Le Fée.

Rennes therefore has an almost complete group to go to Milan. Julien Stéphan finally seems to have found his typical eleven since his return to the Rennais bench. We are gradually regaining the automatisms that we liked over the last few seasons. As mentioned previously, Martin Terrier is gaining momentum since the arrival of Julien Stéphan. He could still be associated with Kalimuendo.