Fenerbahce vs Rangers prediction: EUROPE: Europa League – Play Offs betting tips on match 2025-03-05 17:45.
[p]The UEFA Europa League (UEL) last 16 has pitted two giants of their respective countries against each other. Fenerbahçe have won the Turkish Super Lig 19 times and are firmly in the mix to secure a 20th title this season having beaten Antalyaspor 3-0 at the weekend to extend their incredible unbeaten run in all competitions to 18 matches (W13, D5), though they do remain four points off the title pace.[/p]
[p]They must quickly park their league commitments and focus on their first-leg tie with Rangers, and the Turkish side ought to feel they can get off to a good start having never tasted defeat against a Scottish opponent (W1, D3). There seems to be a great chance of extending that for a side who have won an impressive eight of their last nine home games (D1), including a comfortable 3-0 victory here against Anderlecht in the play-off round.[/p]
[p]Interim Rangers boss Barry Ferguson was left furious following his side’s 2-1 home defeat to Motherwell on Saturday. He warned that a repeat performance on Thursday could put the tie beyond them, and with this double-header against Fenerbahçe swiftly followed by an away game against fierce rivals Celtic, it’s fair to say Ferguson has been handed a baptism of fire. [/p]
[p]He’s got history working against him here as the Gers have progressed from just two of their last 11 Round of 16 ties in major European competition. But advancing could be a great omen as the last time they did so they reached the final, while a mere one defeat from their last seven UEL away fixtures (W3, D3) suggests they should at least be able to take the tie back to Ibrox next week with a fighting chance of progressing. [/p]
[p]Players to watch: A Dušan Tadić goal could lead to a handsome Fenerbahçe victory as four of his last five scoring club appearances saw his side win by at least three goals. Cyriel Dessers has so often been the go-to man for goals for Rangers but they may have to wait for his impact here, as ten of his last 11 club goals arrived after half-time. [/p]
[p]Hot stat: Six of Rangers’ last seven UEL games saw both teams score. [/p]
[p][i]Written by Chris Wilson[/i][/p]