Shakhtar Donetsk vs Rennes prediction: EUROPE: Europa League – Play Offs betting tips on match 2023-02-15 17:45.
Shakhtar Donetsk were handed a tough UEFA Champions League group draw and, after failing to build upon a 4-1 win over RB Leipzig, finished third and dropped into the UEFA Europa League (UEL) knockout round play-offs. They sit second in the Ukrainian Premier League, but as itâs yet to restart following the winter break, taking on French club Rennes in a two-legged tie is a tough reintroduction to competitive football following their sale of Mykhailo Mudryk to Chelsea in January.
Owing to the security situation in Ukraine, this fixture will take place in Warsaw, so even Shakhtar will face a lengthy commute to âhostâ this game. Additional travel has been a regular part of their European campaign in 2022/23, which makes their winless âhomeâ record in Warsaw (D2, L1) easy to sympathise with. One circumstantial source of inspiration could be their recent history with French opposition, which has been excellent (W1, D3).
That should give Rennes plenty to think about whilst they prepare for their first meeting with Shakhtar since 2005 (L 1-0) on the back of an unbeaten UEL group stage (W3, D3) that notably included wins both home and away against Shakhtarâs rivals Dynamo Kyiv. However, the French outfit wonât come into this match in great form after losing four of their last five competitive fixtures (W1).
Manager Bruno GĂ©nĂ©sio lamented ârookie mistakesâ against Toulouse at the weekend (L 3-1) which theyâll need to cut out if theyâre to win a post-group stage European knockout tie for the first time since 2018/19. If they can eradicate said errors, they stand a chance of extending a record of losing only one of their last seven (W5, D1) European away games (excluding walkovers/forfeits).
Players to watch: A man for the big occasion, Oleksandr Zubkov has netted four times before the 50th minute this term, including home and away against Real Madrid. Also quick off the mark is Amine Gouiri, who has opened the scoring inside five minutes in two of Rennesâ last three competitive fixtures.
Hot stat: Three of Rennesâ last four games against Ukrainian opponents produced a goal in the 89th minute.