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Filip Helander declares Malmo vs Rangers allegiances as defender predicts Europa League score

Former Rangers defender Filip Helander
-Credit: (Image: SNS Group)


Filip Helander played for both Malmo and Rangers so it's easy to understand why he feels split loyalties.

But the Swede believes his boyhood club will get the better of Philippe Clement's side in tomorrow's Europa League opener. Helander spent four injury-plagued years at Ibrox and helped Gers to title glory in 2021. However, the 31-year-old decided to go with his heart when predicting how Thursday's clash in Sweden will finish up.

He said: "Very much so I have split got loyalties. I had four great years at Rangers, I loved every second but Malmo is my boyhood club, so I have very strong feelings for them as well. So it will be an interesting game to watch that's for sure.

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"My family are great supporters as well and so am I, so just for this game my heart will probably be for Malmo. I can't be diplomatic now, I would have to go 2-1 Malmo. Malmo's a solid team that has a lot of experience, they've been playing in Europe a lot of years.

"They have some experienced players, are in good form, are leading at the top of the table in the Swedish league by quite a good margin. It's quite a strong team, especially at home, they get a good atmosphere and it will be a tough game for Rangers - but it's a game that can go either way.

"Malmo has got a lot of respect for Rangers even though a lot of players have changed they've seen how well Rangers have done in European competitions in the last five years. They have a lot of respect but they've beaten Rangers before, so they will go in with good confidence to this game. Rangers have quality players, so it'll be two teams that will go for the win and not sit back."