Prediction: Royale Union SG vs Rangers

Prediction: Rangers win

Best Odds: 6/4

Bookmaker: 888sport

The countdown to the start of the new domestic season is almost over as fans from across Europe and beyond look ahead to another year of chaos. Beyond that, though, there’s also a lot of European football to work through with the return of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. Today, we’re going to preview the first leg of the third round clash between Royale Union SG and Rangers.

Royale Union SG

It’s always interesting to see a ‘newer’ face on the international stage and Royale Union Saint-Gilloise certainly fit the bill in that regard. They were able to finish top of the regular season in Belgium last season before narrowly missing out on the championship, and based on their recent growth, we’d say they’re going to be a pretty live dog in this tie.

Rangers

Rangers missed out on the Scottish Premiership title last season but at the same time, they did manage to reach the final of the UEFA Europa League. Yes, they eventually fell short in their attempt to lift the trophy, but that shouldn’t take away from what they accomplished – and in equal measure, it shouldn’t distract them from the task at hand in the UCL.

Factors to Consider

• The winners of this tie will move on to the play-off round, the final hurdle before the group stage.
• Union SG have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six games.
• Rangers have won four, drawn one and lost one of their last six games.
• Union SG have scored eight goals and conceded three in their last six games.
• Rangers have scored 13 goals and conceded six in their last six games.

Conclusion

The atmosphere is going to be the biggest thing Rangers need to overcome but if they can calm down the pace of the game in the first 15 minutes and limit their opponents, they’ll be able to build from the back. The Belgians are tough to break down at the back so playing for a draw isn’t the worst idea for the Scots, but we still think a fortunate set piece will give them the chance to snatch a 1-0 win to take back to Glasgow.

Prediction: Rangers win

Best Odds: 6/4

Bookmaker: 888sport