Rangers head to Portugal with a spring in their step after extending their unbeaten run to 17 matches at the weekend, but they face a formidable challenge as they prepare to take on Benfica in the Europa League.
Steven Gerrard’s side beat Kilmarnock 1-0 to extend their advantage at the top of the Scottish Premiership, while they have also won their first two Group D games in the Europa League.
However, Thursday’s encounter in Lisbon promises to be their most challenging yet, with Benfica also flying high domestically.
Benfica do go into Thursday’s battle on the back of a surprise 3-0 defeat to Boavista, and manager Jorge Jesus will be expecting an immediate response.
Thursday’s tie will be the first-ever meeting between the two clubs, but Benfica do have a great record against Scottish teams, winning every one of their five encounters from teams in the Scottish Premiership so far.
While they were beaten last time out, Benfica’s experience should prove vital, and they have what it takes to stop Rangers’ run by winning at odds of 10/11.
Leicester and Braga to Defend Perfect Starts
Thursday’s clash between Leicester City and Sporting Braga has the potential to steal the headlines, with both sides winning their opening two games in Group G.
The pair are six points better off than Zorya Luhansk and AEK Athens, but something will need to give on Thursday evening in the 20:00 KO.
While Leicester have four wins in a row in all competitions, Braga fare slightly better, winning their last six.
This contest looks too hard to call, but it could be a game for the strikers to steal the spotlight.
Jamie Vardy continues to shine for Leicester, while Braga’s Joao Paulinho has a formidable record in Europe. He has scored six goals in the competition from just eight shots on target since the start of last season, and he is worth backing at odds of 12/5 to score anytime.
Milan Wary of Rampant Lille
A mouthwatering tie between Milan and Lille also takes centre stage this week, with the two European giants set to meet at the San Siro.
Milan’s two wins over Celtic and Sparta Prague but them top of the pile but Lille are hot on their heels after gaining four points from their first two games.
Lille have proven they are hard to beat this season, with the French outfit unbeaten in 11 matches in all competitions.
Milan are also bang in form, with Stefano Pioli’s side also yet to lose this season, while they have won 10 of their 11 competitive fixtures.
Milan have only lost one of their 15 home matches against French sides in all European competitions, but this game looks tough to call.
A draw would still be a good result for both teams, and there is every chance they cancel each other out, and a draw is priced at 29/10.
*All odds correct at time of writing
