Time: 9:00pm
Stadium:Emirate
Referee: Andris Treimanis (Latvia)
Team News & Tactics
Goal Scorer: 5' Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 15' Ainsley Maitland-Niles
Arsenal
Heading into the crucial encounter with Rennes, Arsenal have received a boost with Alexandre Lacazette’s availability. The Frenchman was initially suspended for three games, which would have ended with the Rennes clash at the Emirates. UEFA decided to reduce his sentence to two games, meaning he will be available for Thursday.
Sokratis, however, will miss this game with a suspension following his red card in the first leg. Other than him, Arsenal’s player of the month, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, is a doubt for this clash as he is yet to recover from a back strain, although a late fitness test is on the cards to determine his place in the side.
Then there are the long term absentees, but barring them, Arsenal have no other problems in the side and Emery will be able to name his best lineup. We could see a repeat of last weekend’s attacking list consisting of Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Lacazette. Alex Iwobi and Lucas Torreira will also push for a spot in the starting lineup.
Probable Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1) – Cech; Maitland-Niles, Koscielny, Monreal, Kolasinac; Torreira, Xhaka; Ozil, Ramsey, Aubameyang; Lacazette
Rennes
Rennes come into this game with no new injuries and suspensions, but they might find themselves in an unusual territory as the side are not used to playing in the competition. Only players like Hatem Ben-Arfa and M’Baye Niang are somewhat experienced playing on English soil, but it certainly could be an entertaining game considering both sides will be near full strength.
Rennes will have Hamari Traore back in the team after he served his mandatory suspension and is expected to take over from Mehdi Zeffane at right-back. James Lea Siliki is also likely to be back in the side after recovering from an injury. Additionally, Benjamin Andre, who sat out the win over Caen at the weekend is also expected in the team in place of Stephan.
As for the team, the manager will look to keep the same shape as in the first leg, although the returning stars are expected to make the team much stronger for the challenge that awaits at the Emirates.
Probable Starting Lineup (4-4-2) – Koubek; Traore, Silva, Mexer, Bensebaini; Sarr, Andre, Grenier, Bourigeaud; Ben Arfa, Hunou
Key Stats
Quote
Since the inception of the Europa League in 2009-10, only one side has progressed to the following round after losing 3-1 in the first leg of a knockout tie – though it was an English team (Fulham vs. Juventus in 2009-10; 1-3 away, 4-1 home).
Including qualifiers, Rennes have only lost one of their last seven UEFA Cup/Europa League knockout matches (W5 D1).
Of the 18 previous times, it has happened, Arsenal have progressed from just three ties in major European competition after losing the first leg of a knockout match.
Excluding own goals, Arsenal have had more different scorers than any other side in this season’s Europa League (11).
Ismaila Sarr has been directly involved in six Europa League goals for Rennes this season, the most of any player at the club (four goals, two assists).
Including qualifiers, Rennes have only lost one of their last seven UEFA Cup/Europa League knockout matches (W5 D1).
Of the 18 previous times, it has happened, Arsenal have progressed from just three ties in major European competition after losing the first leg of a knockout match.
Excluding own goals, Arsenal have had more different scorers than any other side in this season’s Europa League (11).
Ismaila Sarr has been directly involved in six Europa League goals for Rennes this season, the most of any player at the club (four goals, two assists).
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