There is a huge fixture in the Europa League this week, as Galatasaray and Rangers meet in the playoff round. The winners will earn a spot in the group stages, which is a huge target for both of these massive clubs.
Europa League Preview
Rangers were excellent in the Europa League lasts season until they were eventually beaten by the impressive Bayer Leverkusen. But, if they are to have another European adventure this term, then they will need to overcome the daunting challenge ahead of them in Galatasaray. Rangers will have the home adventure, which is potentially huge for Steven Gerrard’s side.
It has been a strong start to the season for Rangers, as they are currently top of the SPL standings. They have also saved some of their best performances of the season so far for the Europa League. In the last two rounds they have seen off Lincoln Red Imps and Willem II. They have scored an impressive nine goals in these two games and are yet to conceded. Rangers beat Willem II in the previous round, with James Tavernier, Ryan Kent, Fillip Helander and Connor Goldson the scorers in the 4-0 win. However, this will be a much testing fixture.
Galatasaray expect to be fighting in European competition ever season, but they will need to overcome the in-form Rangers to book their place this season. They have been in decent form in their last two games in the Europa League, as they beat Netfi in the second qualifying round, before beating Hajduk Split in the last round. They won that fixture against Hajduk Split 2-0, with the goals in the victory being scored by Younes Belhanda and Ryan Babel. There is quality all around this Galatasaray squad, with Radamel Falcao and Sofiane Feghouli also offering an attacking threat.
Rangers vs Galatasaray Head To Head
Despite both sides having a reputation for being competitive in Europe throughout their histories, there have only been two previous meetings. These meetings came during the Champions League group stages in the 2000-01 season, with Galatasaray winning 3-2 in Turkey. Meanwhile, there was a 0-0 draw at Ibrox.
Rangers vs Galatasaray Prediction
This is a huge challenge for Rangers, as Galatasaray have a high-quality attacking line of players. Rangers will need to defend excellently to give themselves the best chance of qualification, but it is difficult to see them getting the win that they desire.
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