Celtic kick start their fourth proper Europa League campaign in the last seasons with a trip to Rennes.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesRennes are without Gerzino Nyamsi (finger) and Metehan Guclu (hamstring) but otherwise have a full squad available from Saturday’s goalless draw at Brest in Ligue One.
Celtic will have Christopher Jullien available after he was declared fit, having sustained a head injury during Saturday’s win over Hamilton.
Striker Leigh Griffith isn’t available after suffering a knock to his thigh in training and therefore didn’t travel with the squad.
Stat Attack
- Rennes are yet to beat Celtic, having played out a 1-1 draw here in the 2011-12 Europa League Group Stage before losing 3-1 away at Celtic Park.
- Celtic haven’t beaten a French team away from home since defeating Nantes 3-1 en route to lifting the 1966-67 European Cup, taking just two draws and five defeats in that time.
- Three of Rennes’ five goals in all competitions this season so far have come in the first half.
Prediction
Having seen highlights of Celtic from last weekend, they looked rather solid on the attack but at times were unstable at the back, which no team can afford to have heading to Rennes given their impressive home form in European competitions.
I therefore can see a tough game here for the Scottish champions but they should come away from a point if can score first.
Prediction: Rennes 1-1 Celtic
Result: Rennes 1-1 Celtic