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Recommended bets
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Match preview
Following last Thursday’s first leg in Warsaw, this tie is perfectly poised.
By half time a week ago, Shakhtar Donetsk were in dreamland, leading 2-0, with Dmytro Kryskiv and then Artem Bondarenko on target, the latter from the penalty spot.
However, on the hour mark, Karl Toko Ekambi struck for Rennes, ensuring it finished 2-1 at Stadion Wojska Polskiego.
As the two clubs reconvene in Brittany, both will feel they have a great chance of reaching the round of 16.
This is Stade Rennais’ fifth consecutive season in UEFA competition although, to date, their only knockout phase win came over Real Betis four years ago.
In better news, les Rouge et Noir are unbeaten in eight European home games, losing just four of their last 29.
Shakhtar Donetsk meantime won this competition in 2009, also reaching the semi-finals in 2016 and 2020.
With the Russian invasion raging on, Igor Jovićević’s team did extremely well to finish third in their Champions League group, notably hammering RB Leipzig 4-1 in Germany.
The Miners won their previous visits to Rennes in 2005, but, of course, just a draw will suffice this time.
Who will be celebrating come full time at Roazhon Park?
Stade Rennais team news
Djed Spence will start at right-back with Joe Rodon on the bench; both are on loan from Tottenham.
37 year old goalkeeper Steve Mandanda will make his 108th appearance in a UEFA club competition.
At the other end of the field, Jérémy Doku and Karl Toko Ekambi could be out-wide, looking to supply strike duo Arnaud Kalimuendo and Amine Gouiri.
Shakhtar Donetsk team news
Most expected Shakhtar Donetsk to struggle without talisman Mykhaylo Mudryk, who’s been sold to Chelsea for €90 million, but, on the evidence of the first leg, this isn’t going to be the case.
Unlike Mudryk, star centre-back Mykola Matvienko is still at the club, while the main attacking burden will be on Lassina Traoré’s shoulders.
Right-back Giorgi Gocholeishvili and Kevin Kelsy could make their debuts, after arriving from Saburtalo Tbilisi and Boston River respectively.
Stade Rennais vs Shakhtar Donetsk: Head to head statistics
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