Rennes – Panathinaikos : Preview & Prediction
Frustrated coach Bruno Génésio admitted that he finds Rennes’ performances “annoying” at the moment after they suffered a fourth defeat in six games (G1, E1) on Sunday. The coach was unhappy with his side, beaten 2-0 by high-flying Nice, claiming they are suffering so many defeats because they are making the same mistakes as at the start of the campaign.
Génésio also blamed low “confidence” within the group, so he hopes a return to UEFA Europa League (UEL) action could signal a change in fortunes. The French side are attempting to progress beyond the group stage of a European competition for the third consecutive season and have taken six of the nine points available so far (G2, P1), including a 2-1 win over rivals Panathinaikos in this fixture last month.
However, the Greeks will by no means be easy to beat given that was their only loss in their last eight matches, a streak that includes five wins (E2). The most recent was a 2-1 win at Lamia on Saturday, achieved thanks to Andraž Šporar’s last-gasp goal. That result kept Ivan Jovanović’s men at the top of the Superliga 1 table as they seek their first title since 2009/10.
Their UEL form has not been as good, although they have picked up a respectable four points from three appearances (G1, E1, P1), including a 2-0 home win over Villarreal. Another win in this clash would improve their chances of reaching the last 16 of a European competition for the first time in over a decade, but the fact that they have not won any of their last 11 away games in UEL outside of the qualifying series (E3, P8) will not inspire confidence.
Players to watch: Amine Gouiri, who scored for Rennes in the previous meeting between the two clubs this season, has scored six of his seven UEL goals before halftime, and three of those goals were the first of the game. He will be looking to beat Panathinaikos goalkeeper Alberto Brignoli, who has kept just one clean sheet in five European away games (G1, E1, P3).
Key stat: Three or more goals have been registered in eight of Panathinaikos’ last nine matches in all competitions.
Rennes – Panathinaikos : Betting Tips
Rennes – Win Odds: 1.65
