Rennes vs Villarreal Prediction (14.12.2023)

On Thursday evening, Rennes and Villarreal face off at the Stade de la Route de Lorient in gameweek six of the Europa League Group F.

The French team's recent form has been inconsistent, although they head into this encounter on the back of two straight defeats against Marseille and Monaco.

Their recent games have at least been relatively high-scoring, with over 2.5 goals scored in seven of their previous 11 games.

The Europa League has been the highlight of the home team’s season so far, as they currently sit top of Group F after picking up four wins from their five group games.

The French team has also been prolific in front of goal in Group F, as they have scored at least two goals in all four of their group game victories.

The Yellow Submarine’s rollercoaster of a season continued last time out as a 3-0 home defeat by Real Sociedad ended a five-game unbeaten run in all competitions. The game was another high-scoring one involving Villarreal, as there have now been over 2.5 goals scored in eight of their previous 11 matches.

Like Rennes, Villarreal has enjoyed an encouraging Europa League campaign, as they have booked their place in the knockout stages of the competition by collecting ten points from their five group games.

Their recent form in the competition has been decent, as a goalless draw against Maccabi Haifa last time out ended a three-game winning run in Group F of the competition.

Villarreal have a respectable recent away record in the Europa League, winning five of their previous seven matches on their travels in the competition.

Both teams have good recent records in the Europa League. I believe this could be a high-scoring encounter, so I am backing over 2.5 goals scored with that in mind.