Rennes – Leicester, Picks and Tips
Rennes lost without scoring in the first leg, but away goals don't carry the same weight in European competition as they did last season, and the French will be looking to open the scoring quickly and then hope they can make up the two-goal deficit. Rennes have had a good season in Ligue 1, sitting in fourth place, just one point behind second-placed Marseille. The team has four consecutive wins in the domestic competition and is one of the most in-form sides in France. Bruno Génésio's side last lost in Ligue 1 on 11 February, 0-1 at leaders and champions Rennes. But in total, Rennes have been beaten 9 times this season. But in terms of wins, the team is in second place, tied with Nice, with 15. Obviously, only PSG are better off. The defeat in the second leg is all the more surprising, especially in terms of the scoreline, as Rennes have scored no less than 14 goals in their last 4 Ligue 1 games. Of which 8 on foreign soil. Sure, there is a difference between the Premier League and the Hexagon competition, but it's still surprising that Genasio's side didn't score. In their last league game, Rennes won a spectacular 4-2 away to former French champions Olympique Lyon. The Ligue 1's fourth-placed team showed once again that they are one of the most promising sides in France and that their place in the table is no fluke. Rennes have a very good home record in Ligue 1 and are second in the table with 31 points. And in Europe, in the three games played at Roazhon Park, the team has not lost, with two draws and one win. Can the hosts win the Rennes-Leicester duel?
Leicester took a big lead from the first leg, but we believe qualification is not in the cards. Rennes are in very good form and only bad luck, or a poor day caught, meant the French side didn't score at the King Power Stadium. The English won't have Vardy, but they come to France with confidence. Brandan Rogers' pupils have the experience to manage such a lead and exploit any gaps left in the French defence. The Foxes aren't having a great time in the Premier League. The team has two defeats in their last five Premier League games and one draw. And the victories have come against lower rated opponents such as Leeds or Burnley. In their last league game, the Foxes lost 0-2 away at the Emirates. With 33 points accumulated, Leicester have no pressure on their shoulders. Of course, the way things are going in England, anything is possible. The gap to the quicksand is 10 points, while at the other end of the scale, a possible European Cup place is out of the question with a 15-point gap. The Conference League could thus be a gamble at this point, especially considering Leicester are among the highest-rated sides left in the competition. And with one foot already in the quarter-finals, the Foxes may even be thinking about the trophy. In their three away games in the group stage, Leicester have not fared well, winning just once and losing twice. The last away game, the one in the previous round, is irrelevant, as the opponent is a much inferior one. Can the visitors come out of Rennes - Leicester unbeaten?
Our recommendation tip for Rennes – Leicester: RENNES OVER 4,5 CORNERS @ 1.60