Rangers will look to collect their first points in the league phase of the Europa League on Thursday night as they welcome Roma to Ibrox.
Rangers have endured a nightmare start to their Europa League campaign, as they sit bottom of the league phase table after losing each of their opening three matches.
After defeats against Genk and Sturm Graz, Rangers travelled to Bergen to take on Brann on MD3 in what was Danny Rohl’s first game in charge of The Teddy Bears, but they were well-beaten against the Norwegians, losing 3-0.
The Glasgow giants come into this clash after suffering another agonising defeat on Sunday, as they lost 3-1 in extra time against bitter rivals Celtic in their League Cup semi-final, on an afternoon I successfully predicted a draw in after 90 minutes.
Roma began their Europa League campaign with a 1-2 win in Nice, but have surprisingly followed that win in the French Riviera with back-to-back home defeats.
Gian Piero Gasperini, who won this competition with Atalanta two seasons ago, saw his side lose 0-1 at home to Lille after missing three penalties, before a shock 1-2 loss against Czech side Viktoria Plzen.
The Giallorossi travel to Govan off the back of a defeat domestically, losing 1-0 away at Milan on Sunday evening, moving them down to fourth position in the Serie A table, a point behind leaders Napoli.
How the bookies view it: Roma favourites
Despite losing each of their last two Europa League encounters, Roma travel to Glasgow as favourites, with BOYLE Sports pricing an away success at just 7/10.
The same firm has Rangers as 16/5 underdogs to claim their first victory in the league phase, whilst the draw is 11/4.
Head to head: First-ever meeting
Given the European pedigree both of these clubs have, it is perhaps a little surprising that Thursday night will be the first-ever meeting between the pair.
Players to watch: More magic from Matias?
With Paolo Dybala out injured, Roma will look to the likes of Matias Soule to produce a moment of magic.
The Argentinian has three goals and two assists to his name already this season for the Giallorossi, and the 21/20 on offer for him to Score or Assist in Glasgow on Thursday appeals.
Predicted line-ups:
Rangers will still be without defender Dujon Sterling, but Connor Barron is back after being suspended for their League Cup defeat against Celtic at the weekend.
Roma will be without defender Angelino and attackers Evan Ferguson and Paulo Dybala due to injury.
Rangers: Butland, Tavernier, Djiga, Souttar, Cornelius, Meghoma, Raskin, Barron, Gassama, Aasgaard, Chermiti
Roma: Svilar, Hermoso, Mancini, Ndicka, Celik, Cristante, Kone, Pellegrrini, Lima, Soule, Dovbyk
Anything else catch the eye?
Since their chastening defeat in Bergen against Brann, Rangers have recorded back-to-back victories in the Premiership, whilst taking Celtic to extra time in the League Cup semi-final despite being a goal and a man down inside 38 minutes.
Whilst Rohl has made Rangers far more solid, they still look weak going forward, and I feel as if Roma’s extra quality will be enough to claim a low-scoring victory.
All eight of Roma’s victories in all competitions this season have featured fewer than five goals, and a repeat pays an appealing 1/1 on the Bet Builder at Bet365.
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