Renowned journalist and editor-in-chief of Football magazine Artem Frankov has prepared a forecast for the Shakhtar vs Rennes UEFA Europa League last-16 match.
Artem Frankov"I think you will immediately notice that the French team looks like the favourite both in a single match and in the sum of the two matches of the round. Why? Because the French league is the fifth strongest in Europe, while Shakhtar are deprived of the most basic thing - home field advantage... It just so happened, and every time it is painful to state such obviousness!
You can talk about the spring syndrome as much as you like, but the Pitmen should have had a certain immunity long ago: it's not the first time they've gone into battle without playing practice in official matches. But the loss of Mudryk, who left for Chelsea, is a fact that cannot be hidden.
As for the opponent, the Bretons are in the leading group of Ligue 1, but with their erratic play, they do not look like favourites or even serious contenders for a place in the Champions League. In general, Shakhtar's opponents are in a bad mood: two defeats in a row, sixth place and Nice, who have risen sharply and are now breathing down their necks. And the offence still can't cope with the loss of Terrier.
Shakhtar's correspondence match with Dynamo Kyiv, who twice lost to Rennes in the Europa League group, is nothing more than a detail. However, it is quite interesting.
Outcome odds: 3,35 - 3,50 - 2,23.
Passage: 2,68 - 1,63.
My bet: TB 2.5 for 1.99," said Frankov.
