Athletic Bilbao v Rangers
Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao vs Rangers

, KO: 20:00 , San Mames
Rangers

Rangers have done well to keep their Europa League quarter-final alive after playing most of the first-leg stalemate at Ibrox with 10 men against Athletic Bilbao.

I thought we would see goals at both ends last week with each side missing key defenders but Robin Propper's red card after just 13 minutes changed the whole complexion of the tie.

That made it a game of defence v attack and the Basque giants couldn't find a way past Liam Kelly, with the Rangers keeper's late penalty save from Alex Berenguer preserving a 0-0 draw that could prove priceless.

Barry Ferguson's men defied the odds again on Sunday after another red card, this time coming from 2-0 down at Aberdeen to snatch a point that kept Celtic's champagne party on ice for another couple of weeks.

They will need to show that never-say-die spirit again in Bilbao as Athletic Club bid to take another step towards what they consider a date with destiny.

The San Mames is hosting this year's Europa League Final and Bilbao are among the favourites to lift the trophy on home tuf.

How the bookies view it: Lions to find their roar

Athletic Bilbao were favourites before a ball was kicked and their odds are even shorter now after that first-leg draw in Glasgow. BoyleSports make Los Leones 1/6 hot favourites to go through and the price only increases to 4/11 for a win in 90 minutes. Rangers are 15/4 to reach the semis and 11/2 for a win on the night while the draw at 90 minutes pays 7/2.

Head to head: Party like it's 1969

Rangers last came to San Mames in European competition back in 1969. They lost that Fairs Cup tie 2-0 but still went through after winning 4-1 at Ibrox.

Players to watch: Nico back in business

Nico Williams had a poor at game at Ibrox last week but found his scoring touch at the weekend as he netted in the La Liga win over Rayo Vallecano. The Spain winger should be the main threat to Rangers in this one and he's 9/4 for anytime scorer at BoyleSports.

Rangers have been a threat on the break in European away games, with Vaclav Cerny's pace a big weapon. The Czech winger is 5/1 for a goal and that looks a bit on the generous side.

Probable line-ups

Inaki Williams is a doubt for Athletic Bilbao after picking up an injury in that win over Rayo on Sunday. Left-back Yuri Berchiche looks set to miss out again with injury as well.

Rangers are boosted by the return of defender John Souttar and midfielder Mohamed Diomande from bans but Propper is now suspended after his red card in the first leg. Dujon Sterling will miss out with the injury he picked up in the Ibrox draw too.

Athletic Bilbao: Agirrezabala, Vivian, Alvarez, Lekue, De Marcos, Sancet, Berenguer, N Williams, Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar, Sannadi.

Rangers: Kelly, Tavernier, Souttar, Balogun, Yilmaz, Raskin, Diomande, Barron, Cerny, Hagi, Dessers.

Anything else catch the eye?

This match should be similar to the first leg as Rangers sit back and bid to frustrate Bilbao, although Ferguson's side will offer more of a threat on the break provided they keep 11 men on the pitch.

That makes under 2.5 goals appealing at 23/20 with BoyleSports while betting against BTTS reverses those odds to 20/23.

Athletic Club won 9-2 on the corner count in the first leg so that's another market worth looking at. Over 10.5 match corners looks good at 11/8 with BoyleSports while Bilbao -4/.5 in the corner handicap pays 23/20.

Cyriel Dessers should lead the line for Rangers again and he looks good value at 19/20 with Coral just to have an effort on target.

This match between Athletic Bilbao and Rangers will be played on and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Athletic Bilbao vs Rangers prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.

Athletic Bilbao vs Rangers Betting Tips & Predictions
Over 10.5 corners
11/8
Boylesports
Cyriel Dessers over 0.5 efforts on target
19/20
Coral
Under 2.5 goals
23/20
Boylesports
Further Reading
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