It is a tie that is finely balanced. Each team had their period of control in the first leg at Ibrox, which ultimately finished in a 2-2 draw – a result that will please the Dutch outfit ahead of their return leg. Nevertheless, Rangers showed enough in that game to suggest they will be a threat at the Philips Stadion on Wednesday. This is arguably the biggest match these teams will play this season, but how is it likely to play out?
PSV Eindhoven v Rangers Bet Builder Tips
PSV to Win
PSV have to start this match as warm favourites. In the Ibrox leg of the tie, they boasted an xG that was almost a goal higher than their hosts, despite the game finishing level, and they still have the advantage of the home leg to come.
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side may have drawn their three matches to date in the competition, but look for them to come through strong in this game. After all, Rangers are not at the same level as the Monaco team they beat in the previous round.
Furthermore, the Gers are poor travellers in Europe. Although they made the Europa League final last year, their only victory in 10 continental matches that were played away from Ibrox was against Borussia Dortmund. It was a special performance that allowed them to win in Germany and it will take that level of display in the Netherlands to replicate that outcome. As they showed in losing to Union SG away from home in the previous round, though, such performances do not come as standard.
Gers fans may point to their impressive historical record against PSV as a reason for optimism – they have lost only one of seven all time against the Dutch side – but only last weekend’s game has taken place in the last decade. A lot has changed since then.
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Prediction: PSV to Win
Over 2.5 Goals
It would be very surprising if this game did not produce plenty of goalmouth action. The first leg saw both teams create plenty of opportunities, with four goals and 11 shots on target in total. This game is likely to be just as exciting, particularly if there is an early goal that stretches the game.
PSV, particularly, have a history of being involved in exciting matches this season. Each of their last four games has produced at least four goals, including back-to-back 2-2 draws in the Champions League. Indeed, in all of their six competitive fixtures this season, both teams have found the net. Given what’s at stake here, expect that to continue.
Rangers, after all, are a club who have also been involved in many high-scoring games this season. Five of their seven matches have ended with three of more goals, and if they find themselves behind in this one, they are sure to open up in the closing stages and chase the game. The absence of Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe is a blow, but Antonio Colak has proven himself to be a sharp shooter since his summer arrival at the club and has four goals to his credit already.
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Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals
Rangers to receive the most cards
Rangers are likely to find themselves chasing this match at some point, which is liable to mean a number of desperation challenges, particularly because reaching the Champions League group stages is such a major target for them. They do not, after all, want to be eclipsed by rivals Celtic.
So look for the Scottish club to have an element of devil about their play in this game. Certainly, that was the case at the weekend as they saw two players sent off against Hibs and finished with nine men – an experience that will have tired them mentally and physically before this trip, too. It is worth pointing out, however, that John Lundstram’s red card has since been withdrawn.
Don’t expect any additional caution from Connor Goldson or Tom Lawrence with their tackling in this match, despite being a game away from a suspension. Similarly, Colak already has three yellows in just seven appearances for the club, so they have players who are prone to bookings.
PSV did see three yellows to Rangers’ one in the first leg, but they should reduce their prospects of picking up bookings by having more of the ball in this game. Furthermore, they will have an intimidating home crowd on their side, which is bound to play some part in the refereeing of the game.
In total this season, Rangers have seen 17 yellow cards and one red; PSV, in one game fewer, have seen just 11 yellows.
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Prediction: Rangers to receive the most cards
James Tavernier to Score Anytime
With Roofe and Morelos missing from the Rangers squad, the scoring contribution of captain James Tavernier from right-back is likely to be as important as ever. Certainly, the Englishman was Rangers’ ace last season in clutch European games. In nine knockout games in the Europa League, Tavernier scored seven goals.
He will again be a critical attacking outlet for Van Bronckhorst’s side in this game, while he carries with him the added bonus of being the regular penalty taker. Indeed, his offensive contribution is unique among right-backs in world football because it is so prolific. This is outlined by the fact he scored against Union SG in the turnaround win at Ibrox in the previous round, then he created a goal with a surging run last week, showing his willingness to get into dangerous areas even against an opponent of PSV’s quality.
He already has three goals in seven matches in all competitions this season, and beyond Colak will be the threat that the Dutchman have to most closely police.
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Prediction: James Tavernier to Score Anytime
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How to watch PSV Eindhoven v Rangers in the Champions League?
📅 When is PSV Eindhoven v Rangers? / Wednesday, 24th August 2022, 20:00
🏟 Where is PSV Eindhoven v Rangers? / Philips Stadion (Eindhoven)
📺 What TV channel is PSV Eindhoven v Rangers on? / BT Sport 1
