RANGERS kick off in the new-look Europa League format with a trip to Sweden to face old foes Malmo.
Philippe Clement's men made a return to Ibrox after their Hampden exile on Saturday and did a thoroughly professional job against a Dundee side who had started the season on fire.
It was an improvement from last week's win at Tannadice against Dundee United and won't do their confidence any harm.
But this is a different matter against an in-form Malmo side who are Swedish champions elect and will give Rangers painful memories.
Twice they eliminated them from the Champions League in recent times and the first time had a huge impact on Rangers' subsequent financial implosion and liquidation.
And they followed that up with another damaging defeat to prevent Champions League riches reaching Ibrox a few years ago.
Malmo were in weekend action against Hacken and romped to a 4-0 win.
In Europe, Malmo got past Klaksvik and PAOK in the Champions League, but were beaten home and away 2-0 by Slavia Prague to drop down into the Europa League like Rangers.
But ominously, they haven't lost in the league since July and are motoring along nicely.
How the bookies view it: Malmo edge favourtism
Malmo are favourites here but perhaps by not as much as you would think. They are 7/5 with William Hill, with Rangers on the drift at 23/10 with bet365. The draw is 12/5 also with bet365.
Recent head to heads
As stated, Malmo have defeated Rangers twice in the Champions League – 13 years ago – and then again three years ago when they won home and away.
Players to watch: Nive one Cyrille
Isaac Kiese Thelin is Malmo's top scorer with 13 goals so far this season although he's gone off the boil somewhat recently with just two goals in his last 11 games. He is 21/10 to net anytime with bet365.
Cyrille Dessers grabbed his seventh goal of the season with a double against Dundee at the weekend. The Nigerian international is 13/5 anytime goalscorer with UniBet.
Predicted line-ups
Malmo are set to be without injured players Oscar Lewicki, Niklas Moisander, Stefano Vecchia, Anton Tinnerholm and Sead Haksabanovic, but captain Anders Christiansen and Martin Olsson are expected to be fit.
Rangers are more or less at full strength.
Malmo: Dahlin, Stryger Larsen, Jansson, Zatterstrom, Busanello, Bolin, Pena, Christiansen, Nanasi, Kiese Thelin, Botheim.
Rangers: Butland, Tavernier, Propper, Souttar, Sterling, Diomande, Jefte, Cerny, Barron, Cortes, Dessers.
Anything else catch the eye?
This spells danger for Rangers and it's something of a surprise the hosts can be backed comfortably at odds-against.
Rangers look like they have a lot of work to do this season and will come up against a home team in front of passionate fans who are brimming with confidence.
Clement's side still look like they have plenty of issues and they will be doing very well if they can return to Glasgow with a point.
Malmo have now kept four clean sheets in a row too which would suggest there might not be too many goals here. Go for a Malmo win and under 3.5 goals at 11/5 with Boylesports.
This UEFA Europa League match between Malmo and Rangers will be played on Sep 26, 2024 and kick off at 17:45. Check below for our tipsters best Malmo vs Rangers prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
