The Rossoneri have scored at least one goal in their last 18 matches over all competitions, averaging 1.96 goals for in the Serie A so far this year. Recently they have been outperforming this average however, scoring 12 in their last five games for an average of 2.40 goals for.

Rennes have scored at least one in all of their last eight fixtures, with an average of 1.48 goals for in Ligue 1 so far this season. Their European goal average is also noteworthy, scoring 13 over their six group stage games (averaging 2.17 per game).

Further, both sides are also conceding a high average number of goals; AC Milan averaging 1.12 and Rennes averaging 1.19. Further, their European average goals conceded are 1.33 and 1.00 goals respectively. This has meant that both teams have seen the Both Teams to Score markets land frequently. In fact, both AC Milan and Rennes have seen both teams score in four of their last five respective games.

Amine Gouiri took the 10th-highest average shots per 90 minutes out of any player in the Europa League group stages (4.50). He also managed to convert two of those opportunities. Gouiri’s domestic average is also impressive at 3.24 shots per 90.

Although he is not always a regular starter, he has recently been showing his worth to Rennes. At the start of the month, Gouiri scored twice in a comfortable 6-1 victory over Sochaux in the Coupe de France Round of 16. If starting on Thursday evening, he is worth backing for some shots.

His team-mate, Marin Terrier, is another great option. Terrier is a regular starter for Rennes, and has been in fine form recently. Over his last five starts, he has averaged 2.4 shots, finding the back of the net four times.

Another reason to back Rennes’ attack for shots AC Milan’s recent tendency to concede high numbers of them, even when playing at the San Siro. In their last five home games, AC Milan have conceded at least 11 shots on four occasions, including 15 against Bologna. They also conceded 12 against Dortmund and 17 against PSG when at home in the Champions League group stages.

Giroud, at 37 years old, is not only leading the way for AC Milan in terms of goals and assists, but he is leading Serie A for assists. He also ranks second in the league behind Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez for goal contributions, who is 11 years younger than Giroud.

Breaking these stats down further, Giroud is averaging over one goal contribution every 90 minutes (1.07), placing him in the 99th percentile of all players. He sees an average of 2.38 shots per 90, hitting the target 60% of the time for an average of 1.43 shots on target per game.

He has averaged 76 minutes per match in the Serie A, and 85 minutes in Europe – showing his strong importance and influence for the club.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been solid in midfield for AC Milan this season, being strong defensively but also offering potential going forward with six goal contributions in 17 starts. However, he also has one of the highest average number of fouls committed per 90 of any AC Milan player (2).

In fact, over his last five domestic starts Loftus-Cheek has committed at least one foul. Four of those five games saw him commit two or more fouls. This is partly due to him playing a slightly more advanced role in AC Milan’s 4-2-3-1 system, starting just behind Giroud.

Loftus-Cheek is not only fouling a lot recently, but has also picked up two bookings over his last three appearances, meaning that he is now ranked joint-third for the most yellow cards of any AC Milan player (4).