Arsenal v Rennes Tips: Extra-time on the cards at the Emirates?

Things couldn’t have gone much worse for Arsenal in Rennes last week. The Gunners went down 3-1 in France and now need to win by two clear goals to make it through to the Europa League quarter-finals.

Their form at the Emirates hints towards a comeback. But can their defence hold out long enough to allow them through? We’ve previewed tonight’s crucial clash below.

Match Odds

Arsenal’s home form is second to none. The Gunners have won their last five matches at the Emirates, with four of those scorelines enough to send them through if repeated tonight.

We have them down at 1/4 inside 90 minutes or 5/6 to qualify. Their leaky defence suggests they may not have things their own way, though, with Arsenal to Win and Both Teams to Score at 13/8.

A reverse 3-1 scoreline which would send the match to extra-time is 9/1, while Rennes are 10/1 inside 90 minutes. You can back the Draw at 5/1.

Talking Tactics

The Gunners have little choice but to go out and attack tonight. That could lead to Emery starting both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, with Mesut Ozil sat just behind.

Shkodran Mustafi will fill in alongside Nacho Monreal and Laurent Koscielny at the back with Sokratis suspended, while Sead Kolasinac and Ainsley Maitland-Niles will bomb on down the wings.

With Arsenal expected to attack, Rennes may opt to play on the counter. That should be no problem at all with the pacey Ismaila Sarr and tricky Benjamin Bourigeaud on either flank.

Ex-Newcastle United man Hatem Ben Arfa could start in a lone front role if boss Julien Stephan chooses pack the midfield in a 4-5-1 formation.

Goalscorer Odds

Emery’s men have goals running throughout the side. So it’s no surprise that Arsenal players make up the first nine names in the Anytime Goalscorer market.

Aubameyang and Lacazette are the obvious picks at 7/10 and 10/11, with the latter 4/1 to extend his good Emirates form and Score 2 or More this evening.

Centre-half Koscielny is a danger from set-pieces and can be had at 4/1, while Alex Iwobi is expected to be utilised off the bench and is 8/1 to Score Last.

Rennes will need to make good use the pace within their side to cause Arsenal problems. Sarr is fast as lightening and looks set to be the main weapon on the break at 9/2 Anytime.

Match Info

Where: Emirates Stadium

When: 8:00pm

How to watch: BT Sport 2

Click here for the latest Arsenal v Rennes odds.

All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication