As weeks go they don’t come much bigger for Rangers, a European semi-final followed by a trip to Celtic Park in what could be a season-defining week.
The odds are stacked against the Gers in their quest to retain the Premiership (9/1) and the bookies give them even less of a chance (10/1) over 90 minutes in Germany tonight where they face RB Leipzig.
Leipzig sit fourth in the Bundesliga but of course Rangers have already won in Germany this season, beating Borussia Dortmund 4-2 and subsequently 6-4 on aggregate, so they won’t fear a trip to the Red Bull Arena.
Until Saturday’s defeat at the hands of Union Berlin, RBL had been in formidable form, their only loss this year had been at Bayern’s Allianz Arena so will the 2-1 defeat at the weekend prove to be a wake-up call for Domenico Tedesco’s side or the start of a decline in fortune?
Rangers have shown great resilience at times this season and have harnessed the atmosphere at Ibrox on European nights to power themselves to the semi-finals. If they can leave Germany still in the tie they’ll have a fighting chance back in Glasgow next week and could yet deliver on the 7/2 odds of them reaching the final.
In six away games in Europe this season Rangers only win was that one against Haaland-less Dortmund but they deserve more respect than those 10/1 odds. Sparta Prague, Braga and Red Star all beat them with a one-goal margin, the latter to late meaningless goal when Rangers were 4-1 up in the tie.
They can be backed on the Asian Line with a +1.5 start at 1.930 (a shade over 9/10) and that will be popular with Gers fans who would cash in even they lost by a single goal.
West Ham also face German opposition in the other Europa League semi-final in the shape of Eintracht Frankfurt. The Eagles pulled off the result of the last round when they eliminated Barcelona thanks to a stunning win at the Nou Camp.
Remarkably that victory is their only win in their last eight and they occupy a mid-table position in the Bundesliga.
As for the Hammers, their form has been quite patchy too (W4 D2 L4) and look like they’ve blown their chance of a top four Premier League finish. That adds extra incentive tonight and they look a good price at 10/11 to take a first leg advantage.
There may not be enough room at King Power Stadium for the egos of the two managers tonight. Brendan Rodgers was once head of youth at Chelsea under Jose Mourinho’s tenure so the two gaffers go back a long way but they’ll be equally desperate to add UEFA’s newest piece of silverware to their list of honours won at the end of the season.
The return of Jamie Vardy could prove timely for the Foxes but he’s unlikey to play the full 90 minutes otherwise odds of 6/4 on him finding the net would be tempting.
But there could be goals here. Roma have scored in 29 of 34 Serie A games this season and have scored 25 times in 10 Conference League matches so far. They could help us along the way to BTTS at 4/5.
Super Singles
- Rangers +1.5 on Asian Handicap 1.930 Bet365
- West Ham to win 10/11 Bet365
- Leicester v Roma BTTS 4/5 Bet365
Upcoming Match Previews & Tips
- Thursday’s Goals Accumulator Tips: Today’s 6/1 Both Teams to Score & Total Team Goals Acca
- Thu 19:45 Manchester United v Chelsea
- Thu 20:00 RB Leipzig v Rangers
- Thu 20:00 Leicester City v Roma
- Thu 20:00 West Ham United v Eintracht Frankfurt
- Thu 20:00 Feyenoord v Marseille
- Fri 19:45 Raith Rovers v Kilmarnock
Racing Tips
Rizzel had a good day on Day 2 of the Punchestown Festival, where he has picked out two more selections for Thursday
Golf Betting Tips
The Caddy has been on fire this year so far and nailed another winner last week at 28/1. He’s back this week with his take on the Mexico Open and the Catalunya Championship.
- Golf Betting Tips: Mexico Open Preview & Predictions
- Golf Betting Tips: Catalunya Championship Preview & Predictions
As always, let us know your tips and predictions for today in the comments section below and good luck with all your bets!
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