Sunderland vs Rennes — Tips & Analysis

Rennes +0.25: Rennes have far more attacking quality than Sunderland, and that is the whole case here. Rennes score more than 2 goals a game and won 9 of their last 14. Away from home they also scored more than 2 goals a game. In 12 of their last 14 games there were 3 or more goals, so they turn up ready to attack. Sunderland were poor at their own ground last season. They scored less than a goal a game at home across eight home games, winning only two of them. They let in more than a goal a game there as well. Their back line is short right now. Omar Alderete and Nordi Mukiele are unlikely to play with knocks, and Romaine Mundle and Simon Adingra are doubts. That is a lot to ask of a home side facing a front line this good. A 1-2 to Rennes reads as the likeliest finish, and that is a clean win for us. The obvious risk is rust and legs. Rennes have not played for 90 days, and Sunderland played only 13 days ago, so the hosts should start faster. Late-returning internationals mean neither manager will risk a full 90 from key men. We still make Rennes the better side and expect them to come out on top.