While the champions league for this week has come and gone, the Europa league promises to entertain for one more week. We get to see some of the top teams on the continent battle for a place in the quarterfinals. Arsenal will be one of those teams. As they travel to Stade de la Route-de-Lorient, they would be looking to get an advantage in this first series of the two-legged tie.
Rennes
Rennes are a team that is currently struggling for form this season. They are in effect a shadow of themselves last season. They are currently 10th in their league which would leave them off the continent places. Now comes the Europa league and they are faced with what would be their greatest obstacle; Arsenal. They would be hoping that home advantage coupled with sheer utter determination would be enough to push them through. However, Arsenal would have other plans of their own.
Arsenal
Arsenal is a team who are currently in a good place. The truth is that there has been a lot of progress since Arsene Wenger left the club and Unai has done a fabulous job. This can be seen in the fact they are currently on course to make the top four and also to go as far as possible in the Europa league. They are currently in 5th place in the league. They are one point behind Manchester United. When they travel to Rennes, victory would be on their mind. They would be hoping to take the advantage to the Emirates stadium where they have been almost invincible this season. They would have to make do without the presence of Lacazette which would be completely absent due to his suspension in the first leg of BATE. They would be hoping that the presence of other attacking threat and the form of Ozil would be able to cover up for his absence.
Form
When it comes to the form of both teams, Arsenal clearly is on the ascendency. Rennes have won three of their last six matches. The remaining matches ended up in a loss and two draws. They would be looking to make it three unbeaten matches when they meet the English giants. It remains to be seen what tactic they hope to catch Arsenal unaware.
Arsenal, on the other hand, has been on fabulous form. They have won four of the last six games in all competition. They are also on a four-match unbeaten run. This would surely give them the confidence heading into this game. With most of their players back and brimming to go, Arsenal would be happy and motivated going to Rennes
Although Arsenal would clearly be the favorites heading to the game. However, they would have to wary of Rennes who would be looking to end their season on a high. It remains to be seen just what team would turn up in the league. However, one thing is clear- the Europa is surely heating up.
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