No room for error or mistakes, as Arsenal travel to take on Rennes at Roazhon Park in Brittany on Thursday. This is Rennes’ most successful campaign in Europe but at times it’s been a struggle.
Rennes complicated their Group K endeavours, by sustaining three successive defeats but they eventually took the runners-up slot, thanks to victories Jablonec, Astana and an exciting victory over Real Betis.
Arsenal coach Unai Emery, has unfinished business with Rennes. He lost his penultimate game as the coach at Paris Saint-Germain to Rennes (0-2) and will be keen to come out on top in this one, which has far more important for him.
The Gunners are in their 25th Uefa fixture that involves French opposition and have never lost any of the 12 away matches. They have just rediscovered a competitive spirit that has kept them on course for the fourth place in the premiership.
In terms of the side that Emery may field against Rennes, Lacazette will not play a part, so the main striker’s role will fall to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Aubameyang has not quite been himself since the injury but needs to clear up in this first leg if Arsenal are to gain the upper hand. Mkhitaryan and Ozil may be the creative force in the middle, with Ramsey being kept aside for the Manchester United game.
Cech will resume his position between the posts, Kolasinac may get the nod in a back four comprising of the Bosnian, Sokratis, Monreal, Koscielny.
Guendouzi Xhaka and Torreira are fighting for just two positions and I feel that the first two may be in line for a starting position. Iwobi would grab the final place for his contribution over the last few games and its clear Emery trusts him, although his final ball is sometimes wayward.
Arsenal have to snuff out this leg and maintain their concentration with the threat of Ismaila Sarr, M’Baye Niang and Hatem Ben Arfa.
Predicted team: Cech, Kolasinac, Sokratis, Koscielny, Monreal, Guendouzi, Xhaka,
Mkhitaryan, Ozil, Iwobi, Aubameyang. Prediction: 3-0
