Arsenal manager Unai Emery will face Rennes in the Europa League last 16, encountering former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Hatem Ben Arfa who seeks redemption after a strained tenure under Emery from 2012 to 2014. Ben Arfa's resurgence at Rennes has positioned the Ligue 1 club as a dark horse after eliminating Real Betis 6-4 on aggregate.
Rennes midfielder Benjamin Andre acknowledged Arsenal's European pedigree, stating, "They will obviously be the big favourites." The Gunners' recent road struggles, including a 1-0 loss to BATE Borisov, contrast with Rennes' 10th-place Ligue 1 standing but 2019 European qualification.
Arsenal will be without Alexandre Lacazette due to suspension, while Petr Cech faces a homecoming at Rennes where he played from 2002 to 2004. Chelsea remains a strong contender after Maurizio Sarri's London derby wins, though his future hinges on Champions League qualification.
Sevilla, with five Europa League titles including three under Emery between 2014 and 2016, aims to progress against Slavia Prague despite La Liga struggles. Key matches include Rennes vs. Arsenal, Chelsea vs. Dynamo Kiev, and Napoli vs. Salzburg, with the final set for Baku on May 29.
