* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
Rangers hold a slender 1-0 advantage heading to Alashkert in the second leg of this Europa League qualifier with the group stages just 90 minutes away. Steven Gerrard’s men had to do it the hard way in Glasgow, going down to 10 men before halftime. However, madcap hitman Alfredo Morelos was on hand to give them an advantage despite John Lundstram picking up two bookings inside 43 minutes at Ibrox.
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Thursday 4pm: Alashkert v Rangers
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That result should give us a pretty good indication of the relative strengths of the two teams and The Gers should be getting through. But Scottish teams have a habit of inflicting self-imposed wounds when it comes to European competition and nothing is ever straightforward for Premiership sides on the continental stage. Rangers are rightly Paddy’s big favourites to win against a side yet to taste victory inside 90 minutes in 10 games this season, so let’s see if we can find the value in the markets for your three best bets.
Safe Bet: Under 2.5 Goals
Rangers’ defence hasn’t quite been up to the unbelievable standard it was last season. Not yet, anyway. They’ve shipped six goals in seven games so far this term, crucially with four of them coming in the 4-2 aggregate Champions League qualifier loss against Malmo.
However, if Alashkert can’t net against 10 men what hope do they have of turning this game around? I think Rangers will be happy to control things and cruise through with Under 2.5 Goals.
Value Play: Alfredo Morelos to Score First
If we’re assuming this will be a relatively quiet, controlled performance and that goals are going to be at a premium it makes sense to go for a first goal scorer. And you need look no further than the man mentioned earlier, Morelos.
He’s got two in four appearances this season and is expected to start after brushing off a slight injury worry. In a tight game, Alfredo Morelos to Score First could be a smart play.
Long Shot: Rangers to Win and Under 1.5 Goals
Assuming that the Scottish teams in Europe curse doesn’t strike, Rangers should be booking their spot in Friday’s group stage draw. I don’t think it’s going to be particularly pretty or overly entertaining, though.
That said, they’re big favourites for a reason and really should not just qualify but do so with a win. At a bit of a price, it might pay to back Rangers to Win and Under 1.5 Goals.
Alashkert v Rangers tips
Safe Bet: Under 2.5 Goals
Value Punt: Alfredo Morelos to Score First
Long Shot: Rangers to Win and Under 1.5 Goals
* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
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