AC Milan vs Rennes prediction: EUROPE: Europa League – Play Offs betting tips on match 2024-02-14 20:00.
Six-time European champions AC Milan were unable to come through the UEFA Champions Leagueâs âgroup of deathâ, but a 2-1 win at Newcastle on matchday six at least ensured they drop into the Europa Leagueâs knockout play-off round. The Rossoneri faithful will be grateful to return to European action given the state of their Serie A campaign, as they sit some eight points adrift of leaders and arch-rivals Inter.
Despite what that may suggest, theyâve collected their third highest points tally after 24 matches in three-point per win era (52). A run of just one loss from their last 12 matches in all competitions (W9, D2) has certainly helped boost that total, while theyâve also tasted defeat in just one of their last eight home matches (W6, D1). Theyâll be keen to further boost the win column here, and even though a victory isnât assured for Milan, getting on the scoresheet at least appears a formality, as theyâve found the net in 18 consecutive matches.
Visiting Rennes missed out on top spot in their Europa League group by a single point after losing to Villarreal on matchday six. That was the last time Julien StĂ©phanâs men tasted defeat (W8, D1), and with that run including eight wins on the bounce, the Red and Blacks are among the most in-form sides on the continent.
The visitors donât have positive memories on their previous trips to Italy however, as Rennes have lost all three of their previous away encounters with Serie A opponents, conceding twice in each. However, a run of five competitive away victories in succession should give StĂ©phanâs side a reason to believe, especially as they netted 15 goals in that sequence.
Players to watch: Milanâs Olivier Giroud boasts six direct goal contributions in his seven competitive matches in 2024 (G3, A3), with three of his last four goals arriving before the break. Arnaud Kalimuendo has scored seven goals across Rennesâ eight-game winning streak, all of which arrived between the 30th and 60th minute.
Hot stat: Rennes have scored before the break in five of their six UEL matches this term.