One of the most interesting ties of Europa League game week 2 will be played at Stade de la Route de Lorient, where high-flying Rennes play host to Atletico Madrid.

The club that boast the best youth academy in France have been on the constant uptrend over the last few years and they are now looking to prove their worth in Europe as well.

Frederic Antonetti’s side have been in very good form from the very start to the season, recording four wins in which they scored at least four goals, although they had several slip ups as well.

Les Bretons were very unlucky to lose their opening Europa League game to Udinese, having completely outplayed one of the best Serie A sides, so they are now 2.88 (17/9) with Stan James to make things right and beat Atletico Madrid.

Rennes are scoring goals for fun at the moment, but their back line is suffering from the attack-minded style of play, as witnessed by the fact that both les Bretons and their opponents scored in 9 out of their 13 games this season. Stan James pays 1.75 (3/4) on both teams to score.

Defender John Boye has been added to the long injury list that already contained the likes of Onyekachi Apam, Kader Mangane, Razak Boukari and Yacine Brahimi.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Costil – Theophile Catherine, Kana Biyik, Mavinga, Danze – M’Vila, Pajot – Hadji, Feret, Pitroipa – Montano.

Atletico Madrid eased off to the Europa League group stages, recording double wins over Stromsgodset and Vitoria Guimaraes, but they then had major problems at the start of the La Liga campaign.

The 2:0 win over Celtic in the first group game served as a major confidence boost, so nobody was surprised to see los Colchoneros record comprehensive wins over Racing Santander and Sporting Gijon.

New signings Falcao, Diego and Turan were especially impressive in aforementioned wins, as a result of which Atletico were tipped to maybe upset mighty Barcelona at Camp Nou.

Howeverm the 5:0 defeat to the Catalans showed that Gregorio Manzano’s side are still far away from Europe’s top sides, although a good result in France would definitely be a welcoming boost.

Atletico are 2.50 (3/2) with 888Sport to win in Brittany, but looking at team’s recent performances on the travels, the odds do not look too tempting at the moment.

Full-back Silvio failed to make the trip because of a groin problem, whereas Joel, Antonio Lopez and Koke have been left out for technical reasons.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-1-1): Courtois – Perea, Godin, Dominguez, Filipe Luis – Turan, Tiago, Gabi, Reyes – Diego – Falcao.