Arsenal will look to overturn a daunting 3-1 deficit against Rennes at the Emirates today, after suffering a shock defeat in France in last week’s Europa League last 16 first leg. The surprise loss was the Gunner’s first on French soil in their history.
Despite Alex Iwobi bagging an early away goal, a red card for Sokratis before half time started an unlikely implosion that leaves the North London club in a perilous position.
Looking ahead
Manager Unai Emery says he is “confident” that his side can overturn Rennes’ lead, but knows that his side faces an uphill task. They come into the second-leg tie on the back of an impressive 2-0 home win over Manchester United on Sunday, which has lifted them into fourth place in the Premier League.
The visitors find themselves in the driving seat as they seek to continue their most successful European campaign to date. Julien Stephan’s side has a realistic chance of reaching the quarter-finals, having seen off Real Betis in the previous round. They come into this match after beating Caen on Sunday, a victory that has seen them climb to 8th in Ligue 1.
Looking back
In last Thursday’s first leg, Rennes were opportunistic, taking the few chances that Arsenal presented them. The early red card for Sokratis proved to be a turning point.
Benjamin Bourigeaud drew the hosts level with a stunning strike into the top right corner, with Nacho Monreal’s own goal and Ismaila Sarr’s late header compounding a miserable evening for Arsenal.
Arsenal missing key players
For the hosts, they will be without both Alexandre Lacazette and Sokratis Papastathopoulos through suspension. Striker Lacazette is serving the final game of his three-match ban, after being given a straight red for elbowing Aleksandar Filipovic in the first leg against BATE Borisov in the previous round.
However, the Gunners have no fresh injury concerns, having come through the weekend match against United unscathed. Rennes manager Julien Stephan has a full-strength squad to pick from, although Jordan Siebatcheu and Rafik Guitane remain long-term absentees.
The suspension of Sokratis leaves Unai Emery with a dilemma at centre-back. The expectation is that the out-of-form Shkodran Mustafi will deputise, although Nacho Monreal remains an option. Whoever steps in will have to contend with Ismaila Sarr, who is Rennes’ top scorer in the competition this year, with four goals in eight appearances.
The Senegalese winger tormented the Gunners in France last week and scored a terrific header to give ‘the red and black’ a two-goal advantage.
While Arsenal is at a clear disadvantage on aggregate, the away goal means they are slight favourites to go through. They are currently 4/5 with most bookmakers, while Rennes are 11/10 to reach the quarter-final. It is certain to be a tight and nervy affair. If Rennes are able to steal an away goal at the Emirates, qualification will become exceptionally tricky for Arsenal.
Prediction
Arsenal 2-0 Rennes
