Prediction: Rangers vs PSV

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Unibet

Desperate to pick up a first-leg advantage on Tuesday night, Rangers will welcome Dutch giants PSV to Ibrox for what could be another lively affair.

Rangers

Starting with the hosts, while Rangers might have faced a real uphill battle on European duties last week, the Blues mounted a stellar second-leg display at Ibrox. Eventually claiming a thrilling 3-0 victory against Royale Union in Glasgow, Head Coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst saw his side build off of that display last weekend. Knowing that they had to keep up their recent momentum, the Scottish heavyweights breezed their way to a routine 4-0 romp at home against St. Johnstone a few days ago. Despite watching their bitter Old Firm rivals snatch away their Premiership crown last season, the ex-Feyenoord boss has seen his side impress since opening the 2022/23 campaign. Getting their domestic adventure underway with three straight victories on the spin, last season’s Europa League finalists are desperate to secure a Champions League group stage return this year. Appearing to have found their clinical edge in the final third, it should also be noted that Tuesday’s hosts have won their last three appearances by an aggregate score of 9-0.

Team News

After missing out against St. Johnstone over the weekend, Rangers are sweating over the fitness of attacking talisman Ryan Kent on Tuesday night.

However, despite dealing with an illness over the past few days, van Bronckhorst is hopeful that James Sands could feature here.

PSV

As for the visitors, although PSV might have also faced their own tough European test last week, the Dutch giants laid down quite the marker on home soil. Eventually snatching a stunning extra-time winner against French outfit Monaco as they grabbed a 4-3 aggregate victory, Head Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy should find the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. Along with lifting this season’s Super Cup thanks to a 5-3 romp against title rivals Ajax on July 30th, the former Manchester United marksman has been vocal about his side’s summer purple patch. Picking up some perfect momentum a few days ago as they picked up a 5-2 victory away at Go Ahead Eagles, PSV are unbeaten in each of their five competitive appearances so far. After edging past Monaco at the Philips Stadion last week, the Lightbulbs have really started to shine in front of goal. Looking to pick up a first-leg advantage on Tuesday night, van Nistelrooy’s side have racked up 18 goals on their five-match unbeaten run.

Team News

Still dealing with injury issues, PSV will be without the trio of Noni Madueke, Carlos Vinicius and Yorbe Vertessen on Tuesday night.

Making the move from PSG this summer, ex-Barcelona starlet Xavi Simons is in line for a start at Ibrox.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last faced off on European duties back in 2011, PSV picked up a 1-0 victory at Ibrox.
• PSV are unbeaten in each of their five competitive appearances so far this season- recording four victories and a single draw.
• Likewise, Tuesday’s guests have racked up 18 strikes on that five-match unbeaten run.
• Rangers have won each of their last three matchups across all formats by an aggregate score of 9-0.
• Summer signing Antonio Colak has scored in each of his last three straight appearances for Rangers.

Conclusion

Two sides who will be desperate to pick up an early advantage on Tuesday night, neutrals will be hoping for another lively affair at Ibrox. Watching the Blues mount a stellar second-leg comeback against Royale Union last week as they eventually claimed a 3-0 victory in Glasgow, van Bronckhorst’s men will still know they face a stern test here. With PSV eventually edging their way past Monaco thanks to a thrilling 4-3 aggregate win, chances could come thick and fast. Two sides who really appear to have found a clinical edge in the final third, we’re backing both teams to find the net.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Unibet