Rangers are relying on the ‘magical’ atmosphere of Ibrox to try and overturn the first leg result, one of the most surprising in this third qualifying round. In Belgium, a week ago, the winner was Saint-Gilloise, who, after having clamorously missed out on the title last season in the Pro League, immediately settled in outside the national borders, beating the finalist team of the last Europa League in a clear manner (2-0). It is a mountain to climb for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men, who will need all the warmth of their home crowd to win by at least two goals (in which case the Scots would take the match into extra time).
Rangers have not featured in the group stage of the continent’s top competition since the 2010-11 season. And, barring sporting miracles, they are in danger of missing out this time too. In the meantime, a second Premiership victory came at the weekend, a roundabout 2-0 win against Kilmarnock, another success in a row after the opening win against Livingston. Saint-Gilloise, on the other hand, suffered a defeat in the midweek fixture, losing their first league game in three days against Mechelen 3-0.
For van Bronckhorst there are several doubts in attack, with Colombian Morelos and Croatian Colak, who arrived from Paok in the summer, vying for a place. On the other hand, there should be no changes in the eleven of the Belgian line-up, which has been able to rotate some players in the league with the aim of having them fresh for the historic trip to Glasgow.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst ©️LaPresse
The Prediction
Last season, during their Europa League ride, Rangers made resounding comebacks, thanks in part to Ibrox’s incredible drive. Overturning a 2-0 defeat is no easy task, but the Scots should still be able to get the better of Saint-Gilloise in this return match, despite remaining underdogs in terms of qualification. It cannot be ruled out that their goal will remain unbeaten.
Rangers-Saint-Gilloise
likely line-ups
RANGERS (4-5-1): McLaughlin; Tavernier, Goldson, Sands, Yilmaz; Matondo, Kamara, Lundstram, Jack, Tillman; Colak.
SAINT-GILLOISE (3-5-2): Moris; Sykes, Burgess, van der Heyden; Nieuwkoop, Lynen, Teuma, Amani, Lapoussin; Vanzeir, Adingra.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-0
