Football tips: Phil Thompson’s Rangers v Frankfurt Europa League final best bets

Phil's joined by Brian McDonnell to preview Wednesday's Europa League final

*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 are one win away from their first European success for 50 years, Eintracht Frankfurt their first in 42 years. After fairytale runs to the final, the two sides, both steeped in history, square-off in Seville in a bid to be crowned Europa League champions.  

Wednesday 18th May: Eintracht Frankfurt v Rangers
TV: BT Sport 1
Kick-off: 8pm

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I know what you’re thinking, if only we had a guy we could turn to who had experience of playing in European finals. Well, thankfully, we’ve got Thommo. And he played in five. Our mystic man is here to give us his predictions ahead of Wednesday’s clash and he’s joined by our top trader Brian McDonnell. Let’s get their thoughts…

THOMMO: Frankfurt’s win against Barcelona was massive and you can’t take them lightly. But with this Rangers side having punched above their weight and with the crowd they will be very motivated. I think it’ll come down in Rangers favour and they’ll edge this. 

I’m going for Rangers to win in 90 minutes but there’s not a lot in it. You talk about punching above your weight and for both of these sides to be fighting for this trophy is astonishing. I think with Frankfurt being slight favourites there’s a little more pressure on them and that’s where Rangers will take advantage. 

I think both teams will score and I’ve got a sneaking feeling that Ryan Kent will get one of those goals at any time, he’s been so influential for Rangers. I’m going for a 2-1 scoreline in Rangers favour. It’s going to be a fascinating final.

BRIAN MCDONNELL: Rangers have had an incredible run to the final. If you think back to September they lost their opening two group games, they got through the group stage then they came up against Dortmund and no one was expecting them to make it through that tie, let alone getting this far. 

They were 150/1 to win the tournament before their first leg against Borussia Dortmund.

I think this might be a step too far for Rangers. Frankfurt finished 11th in the Bundesliga but they are a different proposition in the Europa League this season. They haven’t lost a single game so I’m backing Frankfurt to lift the trophy.

For a neutral, this could be a perfect cup final. Two teams, both with lots of tradition and there’s been lots of goals in their games. I’m expecting a goal-fest in the final, I can’t see it being a boring, cagey cup finals and I’m going for Over 3.5 goals

Ansgar Knauff, on-loan from Dortmund, has popped up with two huge goals already in the Europa League. He scored a 25-yarder against Barcelona and a header against West Ham. He can score all sorts of goals and he’s a big price, he’s who I’ll have my money on. 

Frankfurt v Rangers Betting Tips

Thommo
Rangers to win in 90 minutes
Both teams to score
Ryan Kent to score anytime

Brian
Eintracht Frankfurt to win
Over 3.5 goals
Ansgar Knauff to score anytime

*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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