NK Osijek vs Rangers Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Rangers managed to progress past the first round of Europa League qualifying, but just how far can they go in Europe? They have managed to better their run last season, but Steven Gerrard has a tall order if he’s aiming to take them in to the group stage. They have a trip to Croatia ahead of them this week, as we edge closer to the start of the new Scottish Premiership season. Can the Gers keep their European ambitions alive heading in to the new domestic campaign, or will Osijek end their chances in this tie?

This is a huge game for the hosts, who finished up fourth in Croatia last time out. That does give Rangers a chance in this tie, and overall the pair look pretty close in their chances of making it through. However, the Gers may have to rescue the tie in the clash at Ibrox, as this is likely to be a tough trip for Gerrard’s men. They have a difficult task ahead of them, and the manager’s lack of experience isn’t a great sign that they can come away with a positive result.

The last round saw Rangers already relying on their home form to get them through, after a 2-0 win over European newcomers Shkupi was followed by a 0-0 draw on the road. That was a pragmatic way for them to progress, and now they head on the road aiming to keep the hosts out again. While another 0-0 draw would set them up well for the home clash next week, that’s a lot to ask of a side who conceded in 84% of their away matches in the Scottish Premiership last season.

The Gers also head here with the memory of their Luxembourg visit last summer in the back of their minds. They were beaten 2-0 by Progres Niederkorn, a side who had never won a European game before. That early Europa League exit should worry the Gers, who have now played two European away games in the last five years, failing to score in both. With a lack of European experience, a rookie manager and basically a new defence to try and bed in after just a few games, there are question marks over this Rangers side.

Meanwhile, Osijek have won seven of their last 10 matches in this competition, including 1-0 victories home and away to PSV in 2017. They’ve picked up four wins in five at home in the Europa League, and that should leave them perfectly set up for the visit of Rangers. We see them using that European experience to their advantage, and that makes the hosts look like great value here. We’re backing Osijek to win, while we’re going for a narrow 1-0 win for the hosts.