Shakhtar vs Rennes Prediction: Playing Practice Makes Difference

Prediction for the Europa League Shakhtar vs Rennes match, which will take place on February 16th. The French championship is in full swing, while Shakhtar is preparing for the Europa League playoffs by playing friendlies. Given their lack of practice, the Ukrainians are the underdogs in this game, despite the Frenchmen's poor tonus. Who will turn out to be stronger? Check the team conditions! Several betting options are available.

Shakhtar

The last official match Shakhtar played was on November 23 in the UPL, beating Poltava Vorskla 3:2. In January and February, they had five friendlies losing to Austria, drawing with Koper, Ludogorets, and Maribor and winning over Sarajevo 4:0. Shakhtar's current squad is quite different from that of last season for obvious reasons. Last season they also sold Mudryk, one of their best midfielders, to Chelsea.

Rennes

Rennes approached the first match of the UEL playoffs with many problems. They dropped out of the French Cup, losing to Marseille 0:1. In the French championship, Rennes failed three out of four games. For example, in the last round of Ligue 1, they lost to Toulouse on the road. Such results made Rennes fall out of the top five and occupy only sixth place, behind Monaco from UCL by 7 points. With such a points loss, Rennes risks remaining without European Cup next season. Recall that the upcoming match will be in Warsaw.

Expert Betting Tips

• Rennes has failed four of the last five matches.
• TO (2.5) has been reached in the last three matches with Rennes.
• Three of the four last matches of Shakhtar ended in a draw.

We have yet to see Shakhtar at the official level in 2023. But all their friendlies were productive, and Shakhtar scored at least a goal per game. The same applies to Rennes. They shot a lot in recent Ligue 1 matches but conceded even more. As for the outcome, Rennes has had problems with the results lately, but this team is undoubtedly the top one in France. Plus, they got playing practice in official matches, which the Ukrainians do not have.