Progres Niederkorn vs Rangers Predictions

Will Rangers see off Progres Niederkorn and claim revenge for their exit to them two years’ ago? The defeat in Luxembourg was one of the most calamitous nights in Rangers’ history, as they went out to the minnows. That did set in motion the move towards Steven Gerrard, who has certainly brought an improvement in their European displays. The Gers are aiming to book a place in the third round, where they would take on Danish side Midtjylland. However, they first need to focus on the side who shocked them in 2017.

Since their win over Rangers, Progres have been making strides in Europe. However, this season has seen them take a few hits. They’ve already gone up against opponents from the British Isles twice this season, suffering defeats against both of them. They were beaten 2-1 at Cardiff Met in the preliminary round second leg, while Cork won 2-1 here in the last round. Those weaknesses were on display again as they lost to Rangers last week.

Rangers were able to make the group stage of this competition last term, matching up against top sides in a bid to make it through to the last 32. They came close to getting out of their group, while this time around Gerrard is demanding more. He’s already improved the side in a bid to take down Celtic, but European results are an area where the Gers could improve. They’ll be out to keep up a three-game winning streak for them in the qualifiers this term, while they’re heavy favourites to pull it off.

A big part of the Gers’ form in Europe comes down to a better backline. Rangers have kept a clean sheet in five of their last seven in this competition. They’ve won 12-0 on aggregate across their three games in the qualifiers this term, while they kept five clean sheets on their way to qualifying for the group stage last summer. With that good form behind them, Rangers should have little trouble shutting out Progres here.

Gerrard isn’t a manager who will let complacency creep in. He’ll be demanding focus for this second leg, while the spectre of 2017 will certainly focus a few minds. We expect another impressive Europa League success from Rangers in this clash, so we are backing an away win to nil on Thursday night, along with a 2-0 correct score pick.