Prediction: PSV vs Rangers

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Unibet

With a spot in the group stages of this year’s Champions League still hanging in the balance, PSV will welcome Rangers to the Philips Stadion on Wednesday night.

PSV

Starting with the hosts, eventually managing to leave Ibrox with an action-packed 2-2 draw on first-leg duties last week, PSV should be feeling like they’re sat in pole position. While the Dutch outfit might have fallen just short in their Eredivisie title charge earlier in the year, Head Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy does find his side enjoying an extended purple patch. Really finding their feet under the one-time Manchester United marksman, the Lightbulbs are unbeaten in all six of their competitive outings so far this season. Coming past French giants Monaco on August 9th as they snatched a 4-3 aggregate victory, PSV have quickly gained a reputation for their free-scoring displays in the final third. Stunning bitter rivals Ajax last month as they lifted the Dutch Super Cup thanks to a 5-3 win, it should be noted that Wednesday’s hosts have bagged 20 goals on their six-match unbeaten run.

Team News

PSV are still sweating over the fitness of Noni Madueke, Carlos Vinicius, Mauro Junior, Olivier Boscagli and Yorbe Vertessen here.

Despite being linked with a high-profile move to Manchester United, Cody Gakpo should once again lead PSV’s charge on Wednesday night.

Rangers

As for the visitors, while Rangers might have been disappointed to have had to settle for a first-leg stalemate at Ibrox last week, Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men will be looking to spring another European upset. Reaching the final of last season’s Europa League, the ex-Arsenal defender did see his side mount a stellar comeback against Royale Union earlier in the month. Despite suffering a worrying 2-0 loss over in Belgium, the Scottish giants eventually snatched a second-leg 3-0 victory on home soil, a performance they will be desperate to replicate. However, knowing that they face a real task on Wednesday night, it should be highlighted that Rangers do hold a worrying Champions League record on foreign soil. Including a shock 2-0 loss away at Royale Union on August 2nd, the Blues have failed to win any of their previous 12 Champions League matchups outside of Glasgow, a run that stems back to October 2007.

Team News

Still dealing with long-term issues, the trio of Kemar Roofe, Filip Helander and Ianis Hagi will not feature on Wednesday night.

Likewise, Rangers have confirmed that Alfredo Morelos will not make the trip to Holland on Tuesday night due to concerns over his fitness.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides faced off at Ibrox on first-leg duties last week, they played out an action-packed 2-2 draw.
• Rangers have failed to win any of their previous 12 Champions League matchups outside of Glasgow, a run that stems back to October 2007.
• PSV are unbeaten in all six of their competitive matchups since opening the 2022/23 campaign.
• Likewise, Wednesday’s hosts have bagged a staggering 20 strikes on that six-match unbeaten run.
• Three of Rangers’ last four Champions League matchups on foreign soil have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

After playing out a thrilling 2-2 draw at Ibrox on first-leg duties last week, neutrals from across Europe will be hoping for a similar affair on Wednesday night. With a spot in the group stages of this year’s Champions League still firmly hanging in the balance, we could have chances come thick and fast here. While PSV might have enjoyed quite the free-scoring start to the 2022/23 campaign, they have shown some extended issues at the back. Likewise, with each of their opening six meetings across all formats finishing with both teams finding the net, we’re backing a similar affair at the Philips Stadion.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Unibet