Rennes face a tough fight against Leicester at Roazhon Park in the second leg of their Round of 16 tie in 2021-22 UEFA Europa Conference League.
With a 2-0 first leg deficit, Rennes simply need to win by at least three goals to qualify for the Quarter-Finals, because a draw or defeat won’t be enough to extend their European adventures beyond this game.
Leicester meanwhile will qualify with a win or draw, although a 1-0 loss would be enough to see them through.
Team News
Rennes have no fresh injury concerns to report following their 4-2 win at Lyon in Ligue 1 on Sunday.
Romain Salin (calf), Lesley Ugochukwu (ankle), Loic Bade (groin), Kamal-Deen Sulemana (back) and Jeremy Gelin (knee) remain ruled out.
Leicester could welcome Wesley Fofana back after the defender missed their last two matches following a positive Coronavirus test.
Ryan Bertrand, Jamie Vardy (both knee), Jonny Evans and Timothy Castagne (both thigh) remain absent.
Stat Attack
- Rennes lost their only previous meeting against Leicester in all UEFA competitions, having lost the first leg 2-0 last week.
- Leicester are visiting Rennes for the very first time in all UEFA competitions.
- Rennes are unbeaten in three of four home games against English clubs in all competitions despite failing to keep a clean sheet in all four clashes (W2, D1, L1).
- Four of Rennes’ six goals scored at home in the Group Stage were scored by Gaetan Laborde.
- Leicester have picked up just one booking in three matches in the Europa Conference League, which was for Wilfred Ndidi in a 3-1 away win at Randers in the Knockout Play-Offs.
Prediction
Having found themselves edged out of a tightly fought first leg despite their dominance, Rennes definitely need a good start and the first goal here if they’re to have any chance but can take heart from their strong Ligue 1 win at Lyon on Sunday.
Leicester meanwhile were simply outclassed at Arsenal where they simply lacked any assertion on the game, whilst also returning to their poor defensive manners at set pieces after recent progress so a response is required here.
Add in the fact that Leicester currently hold a 2-0 lead and the first goal here does seem crucial because if Rennes get in front, I fancy them to kick on here and potentially force extra time but the tie will be done if Leicester get the opening goal.
Prediction: Rennes 1-1 Leicester
Result: Rennes 2-1 Leicester (Leicester win 3-2 on aggregate!!)