AC Milan vs Rennes – UEFA Europa League playoff first leg match | Date: Thursday, 15 February 2024 | Kick-off: 21:00 CET | Venue: San Siro
These predictions below for AC Milan vs Rennes UEFA Europa 2023/24 playoff match were made by Bookmaker Ratings. For more predictions on UCL, Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A, La Liga and other European football leagues, visit our Football Predictions & Betting Tips page.
The hosts are the clear favourite versus Rennes. However, considering the number of injured defenders for AC Milan, it will be a tough match.
Rennes are likely to remain in a defensive shell and attack if a chance to counter comes. They will seek to enter the return leg at home with no goals surrendered.
We predict that AC Milan will secure a difficult victory here.
Prediction: AC Milan 2:1 Rennes
AC Milan have scored two more goals in six of their past eight matches, in all competitions. Meanwhile, Rennes have failed to score once in their past 10 matches across all competitions.
Betting Tip: Over 1.5
The Italian giants enter the match against Rennes after a composed 1-0 win over reigning Serie A champions Napoli over the weekend. The clean sheet will undoubtedly improve Stefano Pioli’s side’s confidence ahead of the Europa League encounter since they are presently short on central defenders owing to injury and have been leaky defensively.
The three central defenders, Fikayo Tomori, Pierre Kalulu and Malick Thiaw, will miss the upcoming match.
Simon Kjaer’s appearance is also in doubt, as he has a muscle problem. The Rossoneri also suffered a major setback over the weekend, as captain Davide Calabria was substituted in the 37th minute against Napoli due to a left adductor muscle injury.
On the other hand, Rennes will travel to Italy after a convincing 1-0 victory against Le Havre in Ligue 1. Rennes’ offensive has lately been in excellent form, scoring nine goals in the past three matches.
Moreover, the French side are unbeaten in their last 9 matches in all competitions, registering 8 victories and 1 draw.
AC Milan: Maignan; Florenzi, Gabbia, Hernandez, Jimenez; Bennacer, Adli; Pulisic, Loftus-Cheek, Leao; Giroud
Rennes: Mandanda; Doue, Seidu, Theate, Truffert; Bourigeaud, Matusiwa, Santamaria, D. Doue; Kalimuendo, Terrier
TV Channel: DAZN