Prediction: Rangers vs Borussia Dortmund

Prediction: Borussia Dortmund win

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: 888sport

European football is back once again this week as the knockout stage of the UEFA Europa League continues. There’s a whole lot at stake for a variety of clubs across the continent and while some will keep knocking the competition, others will recognise the opportunity it grants teams. Today, we’re going to take a look at what should be an intriguing clash between Rangers and Borussia Dortmund.

Rangers

Rangers have been struggling to maintain consistency in the title race with Celtic being a small lead for themselves at the top of the table. Even with that being the case, though, they’re still in the mix for some serious silverware this season – and we’re including the Europa League in that. After their first leg win, a triumph here could do absolute wonders for their confidence.

Team News

Hagi and McLaughlin are both expected to miss out, the latter due to COVID-19, with Balogun and Ramsey both being viewed as fitness doubts.

Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund are still best known as the club with a lot of supporters, but also as one that is forever the bridesmaid. They’re behind the pace of Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga title race and in this tie, they’ve got to do everything they can to protect the reputation of German football. That sounds extreme, but a defeat here could look pretty bad given their position as UCL finalists not so long ago.

Team News

Meunier, Schmelzer and Haaland are all fitness concerns ahead of this tie with the following players being ruled out definitively: Zagadou, Akanji, Morey and Reyna.

Factors to Consider

• In the first leg, Rangers beat Dortmund 4-2.
• Rangers have won four, drawn one and lost one of their last six games.
• Dortmund have won three and lost three of their last six games.
• Rangers have scored 15 goals and conceded six in their last six games.
• Dortmund have scored 17 goals and conceded 13 in their last six games.

Conclusion

Dortmund are the ones who need to really go for it here but with the game taking place at Ibrox, we think it’ll be difficult for them to break Rangers down without leaving themselves exposed at the back. Thankfully for the visitors, the elimination of the away goals rule means they only need to score twice to take it to extra time – however, we still think they’ll only manage a 1-0 win, sending Rangers through in the process.

Prediction: Borussia Dortmund win

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: 888sport