Shakhtar Donetsk vs Rennes Predictions

• Both teams have scored in three of Rennes’ last four games.
• Two of Rennes’s three wins in the Europa League group stage were by a 2-1 scoreline.
• Rennes are unbeaten in six Europa League matches this season.

Depleted Shakhtar could struggle

It has been unwise to write perennial European underdogs Shakhtar Donetsk off in the past, but with a little ring rust due to no competitive action so far in 2023 coupled with the loss of star man Mudryk, progressing any further in the Europa League looks a very big ask for the Ukrainians.

Due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, this game will be held in Warsaw, Poland, far away from their typical home of Lviv in their home league games.

The hosts were unbeaten in four of their last five domestic games ahead of their long hiatus from competitive football, but prior to that they were humbled 4-0 in their latest European clash against Leipzig.

Back Rennes to come out on top

Whilst Rennes have slumped to four defeats across their last five domestic clashes, they have earned their place at this stage following an unbeaten Europa League group stage return (W3, D3) in which they eventually finished second.

Rediscovering that impressive continental form will be key to ensuring success across the two legs, but with a pair of wins over Ukrainian opponents already this term (Kyiv), we fancy the French outfit to make it three for three here with a win on the night.

To complete our selections for this intriguing Europa League clash, we’re going for a narrow 2-1 margin of victory for Bruno Genesio’s Rennes.