Rennes – Dyn. Kyiv : Preview & Prediction
Fenerbahce’s stoppage-time goal broke Stade Rennais’ hearts in a 2-2 UEFA Europa League (UEL) draw on matchday two, but they are still level on points with the Turkish giants at the top of Group B. However, with three teams separated by just one point, Rennes cannot afford another such collapse in their next two matches against bottom-placed Dynamo Kyiv.
An unbeaten run of competitive matches (G4, E3), which reached seven with a 3-1 win over Strasbourg at the weekend, is likely to be a confidence boost for a Rennes side in the midst of a club-record fifth consecutive European campaign. An impressive performance in their last 11 matches at continental level (G7, E3, P1 – including a win by forfeit) could also play in Rennais’ favour, although they may be concerned about their poor all-time record against Ukrainian teams (G1, P4), which includes two defeats to their opponents.
After failing to secure a third consecutive UEFA Champions League group stage appearance, Dynamo’s European campaign has stalled with three straight UEL defeats. The Ukrainians are probably must-win, but after four consecutive UEL defeats, Dynamo now risk losing three group-stage matches in a row in a single UEL campaign for the first time.
Dynamo have at least bounced back domestically by recording back-to-back wins, a performance they now hope to translate to Europe. However, they will have to swim against the tide as just one win in their last eight away games in the UEL (E3, P4) suggest Dynamo have a tendency to struggle away from home.
Players to watch: Amine Gouiri set himself up for this game by scoring Rennais’ last goal in their weekend win, although three of his last four UEL goals came in defeats. Meanwhile, Vitaliy Buyalskyi, who assisted Dynamo’s last UEL goal, has helped his side avoid defeat with all eight of his career UEL goals (G6, E2).
Weekend stat: There have been two or fewer goals in ten of Dynamo’s last 12 UEL matches, with six producing exactly two.
Rennes – Dyn. Kyiv : Betting Tips
Rennes – Win Odds: 1.45
