Who will win Rangers vs USG? Our writers deliver their predictions as Ibrox set for another huge Europa League night
Rangers will be hoping for a repeat of their last clash at Ibrox against Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
That was two-and-a-half years ago when Giovanni van Bronckhorst was in charge and the Dutchman was the mastermind behind his Light Blues troops staging a rousing comeback to win 3-0 against the Belgians in what was an emphatic performance.
They had been trailing 2-0 from the first leg but came back to progress in the Champions League qualifiers before eventually ending a long wait to reach the group stage with victory over PSV Eindhoven. They won't face such a pressure match this time around with Gers set to progress from the new-look Europa League league phase. But there is plenty still to be decided with a chance of even skipping the knockout round play-off and straight to the last 16. Here's how the Record Sport team see the game at Ibrox playing out.
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Andy Newport
Philippe Clement might not have many choices left when it comes to his team selection given his injury and ineligibility issues but he should have enough to get the victory. The Belgians have had a remarkably similar campaign to Gers, sitting 11 points off the title pace largy due to their patchy away form while they’ve got a near identical Europa League record to Clement’s men. However, the Light Blues will hope the power of Ibrox can give them the edge. The bigger question for Gers is will they get the favours they need from five other teams to finish in the top eight? That looks far less certain...
Rangers 2 USG 0
Keith Jackson
Rangers have not just enjoyed this Europa League campaign, they’ve actually impressed along the way. There’s no reason why they can’t round it off with one last home win under the lights against the Belgians to consolidate their place in the play-offs with a bit of style.
Rangers 3 USG 1
Scott McDermott
The Belgians are no mugs having already drawn with Roma and beaten FC Twente and Braga in this season’s Europa League. Rangers have injury problems, as well as the likes of Hagi and Nsiala ineligible.
So expect a tight game and with both clubs sitting comfortably in the play-off spots, they’ll take a point apiece.
Rangers 1 Union St-Gilloise 1
Michael Gannon
Rangers can have a go with nothing much to lose. USG are in a similar situation so it could be an open, entertaining game, with Gers eventually coming out on top.
Rangers 2 USG 1
Craig Swan
Rangers have been strong in Europe and their Ibrox form is also impressive which should add up to a convincing victory for the hosts to wrap up their league phase campaign
Rangers 3 USG 1
Ross Pilcher
They came unstuck at Old Trafford, but Europe is where Rangers have actually delivered this season and another quickfire Europa League clash could be just what they need. A strong comeback against Dundee United sets Philippe Clement up nicely for the encounter with his compatriots and they should have enough for the win that would give them a chance of the top eight.
Rangers 2 USG 1
