Villarreal will host Rangers at Estadio De La Ceramica in their opening encounter of the UEFA Europa League. The Scottish side is playing in a European competition after a gap of eight years and under the guidance of former Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, they would be looking to make a mark in this tough away trip.
There is no doubt that the Spanish outfit would go in as absolute favourites even though the Yellow Submarines have started their La Liga campaign on a slow note. The Gers waded through some tough encounters in the qualifiers, but there is a significant gulf in quality between the two sides.
Gerrard also concluded that they are the underdogs. He said,”It is important we take one game at a time. We are the underdogs in the group, but in the dressing room, we have a quiet confidence and believe we can make it out the group. We are not here to make the numbers up.
“This game highlights how far the team have come. I don’t think many gave us a chance of reaching this stage.”
Expect the Spanish outfit to have plenty of possession. The Light Blues will defend deep and in numbers and would look to play on the counter-attack.
Team News:
Villarreal
Carlos Bacca and Santi Cazorla were unavailable in the initial few games of the season, but they made a substitute appearance in their last encounter against Leganes. The duo has recovered just in time for this home encounter against the Glaswegian giants. Bruno Soriano, Javi Fuego and Santy Caceres are the ones to miss out due to injury issues. Jaume Costa is suspended, carrying over his red card from the last season.
Rangers
Alfredo Morelos is going to be a major miss for Gerrard as the Colombian striker saw red against FC Ufa in the qualifiers. Same goes for Jon Flanagan. Jamie Murphy and Jordan Rossiter as they continue to be absent due to injury. Ryan Jack, Ovie Ejaria and Gareth McAuley are also set to miss out due to various issues.
Predicted Lineup
Villarreal: Fernandez, Mario, Ruiz, Gonzalez, Pedraza, Cazorla, Trigueros, Layun, Fornals; Ekambi, Gerard
Rangers: McGregor, Tavernier, Katic, Goldson, Barisic, Arfield, Coulibaly, Halliday, Grezda, Kent, Lafferty
Key Men
Villarreal
Santi Cazorla’s timely return has boosted Calleja’s men chances as the Spaniard can control the game and dictate play from midfield. Gerard Moreno is a lively striker, and Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic would have to be at their best to keep the Spaniard under check.
Rangers
Lassana Coulibaly has been a great addition to the Gers squad, and the midfield enforcer would have a busy evening in Spain. He will be expected to keep out attacks and turn the ball quickly for counter attacks. Allan McGregor has shined since he arrived for the second time at Ibrox and Gerrard would again require a masterclass from his veteran goalkeeper.
Odds
Villarreal Win: 1/3
Draw: 4/1
Rangers Win: 10/1
