Rangers currently have the upper hand in terms of qualifying to the next round of the UEFA Europa League as they lead Feyenoord by three points and are placed second in the table. However, things can quickly change if Gerrard’s men are not able to to do a decent job in Rotterdam as they travel to the De Kuip to take on their Dutch opponents this Thursday.
Feyenoord defeated Porto 2-0 at home and drew against Young Boys. Hence, they will take confidence from their earlier results in their backyard. However, domestically, Feyenoord hasn’t been in great form and around a month back, Jaap Stam was sacked from his role as the manager. Sheyi Ojo’s spectacular strike in the reverse fixture gave Rangers a narrow 1-0 win at the Ibrox.
What to expect from Rangers?
The away team will likely play in their usual 4-3-3 formation. Rangers had put in a brave performance against Porto away from home not too long ago, and Gerrard’s men will look to play their game even though Feyenoord will be at home. We are expecting Rangers to soak in the pressure early on as it is pretty much a must-win game for Feyenoord if they want to keep their qualification hopes in their hands.
So the Dutch side might start off the blocks quickly, but Rangers will have the quality to hurt them on the counter. The midfield trio of Davis, Jack and Kamara will be crucial in determining whether the Glaswegian giants would be able to assert control in the game
What to expect from Feyenoord?
Dick Advocaat will likely go in with his strongest eleven as they will travel to the Dragao Stadium in their last group game. Hence, a three-point will be a must for them at home. They are also going to lineup up in a 4-3-3 with two defensive-minded midfielders at the centre of the park and one attacking midfielder playing at the tip. Their primary threat will come from their wide players who generally try to make runs between the fullback and centreback.
Team News
Rangers
Gerrard doesn’t have any significant injury issues, and Jordan Jones is the only doubt. The winger has resumed training, but he is unlikely to be match fit.
Predicted lineup: McGregor; Barisic, Helander, Goldson, Tavernier; Davis, Kamara, Jack; Ojo, Kent, Morelos.
Feyenoord
Advocaat will have to deal with injuries as his defenders Sven van Beek, Edgar Ié and Rick Karsdorp are all set to miss out.
Predicted lineup: Vermeer; Malacia, Botteghin, Senesi, Geertruida; Toornstra, Fer; Kokcu; Larsson, Berghuis, Sinisterra.
Key men
Rangers
Ryan Kent showed what he is capable of at the weekend earlier as he managed to score a brace. Rangers might have to play a good part of the game on the counter, and Kent’s direct running and electric pace could make the difference for the away team.
Feyenoord
Captain Steven Berghuis is going to be the key man for Feyenoord, and he will start on the right flank. Barisic will need to do his defensive duties well to keep him under check. Berghuis has already managed ten goals and six assists this season playing as a winger.
Odds
Rangers win: 7/4
Feyenoord win: 29/20
Draw: 13/5
