Prediction: Rangers win to nil
Best Odds: 1/3
Bookmaker: bet365
The UEFA Europa League qualifying stages are underway, as we get the chance to see a series of lowly ranked sides from throughout Europe competing for the right to play some of the big boys in the later stages of the competition. Today, we’re going to be taking a look at well-known Scottish side Rangers as they prepare to go one on one with Progres Niederkorn.
Rangers
Eleven years ago Rangers were in the final of this competition, back when it was known as the UEFA Cup. It’s been a pretty bumpy road for them to get back to this point, and at one stage, it really didn’t seem like there was going to be all that much left of the club. Now, though, under the guidance of Steven Gerrard, it seems and feels like there’s a renewed sense of faith as they attempt to prove the masses wrong once again.
Team News
Morelos is expected to lead the line here for Rangers, with veteran striker Defoe being tipped to feature as the Scottish side aim to put out a full strength tie ahead of what could be a potential banana skin for them.
Progres Niederkorn
When you’re from a nation like Luxembourg, it can be easy for people to push you to one side and think that you don’t belong. In reality, though, in their own way, Progres Niederkorn have been able to earn their spot here through hard work and determination. That probably isn’t going to be enough to take them ahead of Rangers in this tie, but if they can keep the scoreline close in the first leg, they’ll go into their home fixture with some hope.
Team News
Given the unknown entity of their top players, many believe that Progres are going to stick with a similar side that got them through the last round.
Factors to Consider
- The first leg will take place in Scotland, with the second leg being in Luxembourg.
- Rangers have won three and lost one of their last four games.
- Progres have won two and lost two of their last four games.
- Rangers beat St. Joseph’s 10-0 on aggregate in their first round qualifying tie.
- Progres beat Cork City 3-2 on aggregate in their first round qualifying tie.
- Two years ago, Progres Niederkorn shocked Rangers and beat them 2-1 on aggregate in the Europa League first qualifying round.
Conclusion
It doesn’t really feel like there’s any kind of question as to who is actually going to win the game, but instead, it’s more a case of how much are they going to win by. We can’t imagine Rangers are going to push the boat out too much in terms of their team selection, because let’s face it, they don’t really need to. This is going to be a comprehensive first leg victory, as the Scottish side edge closer and closer towards the group stages of the Europa League.
Prediction: Rangers win to nil
Best Odds: 1/3
Bookmaker: bet365
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