Rangers look to move a step closer towards the Europa League Quarter-Finals, as they host Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their Last 16 tie at Ibrox.
Having not come this far since reaching the 2007-08 UEFA Cup Final, Rangers know that Leverkusen will pose a tough test of their title credentials if they’re to qualify for the Champions League next season.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesScott Arfield and Jermain Defoe are ruled out for Rangers with respective hamstring and calf injuries.
Ryan Jack (heel), Filip Helander and james Tavernier (both foot) are doubts, although Alfredo Morelos is available after missing their last Europa match through suspension.
Leverkusen will be without striker, Kevin Volland due to a foot injury but otherwise have a full squad available for selection.
Stat Attack
- Rangers are unbeaten in their last two meetings against Bayer Leverkusen (W1, D1).
- Leverkusen have kept just one clean sheet in four away European games this season, winning 2-0 at Lokomotiv Moscow in November 2019 in the Champions League Group Stage.
- Gers have kept clean sheets in five of their eight home Europa League matches this season.
Prediction
This will be a huge ask for an out of form Rangers team because although Leverkusen aren’t the best team, their quality is still more dangerous than Rangers’ is.
I therefore wouldn’t be surprised by a home defeat but if Morelos starts then Gers are giving themselves a fighting chance of at least entering the second leg with everything to play for.
Even that is a big ask though but Rangers’ home form has been strong so I will go for a draw here.
Prediction: Rangers 1-1 Bayer Leverkusen
Result: Rangers 1-3 Bayer Leverkusen
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