Aris vs Rangers prediction: EUROPE: Europa League – Group Stage betting tips on match 2023-10-04 16:45.
Aris Limassol manager Aleksey Shpilevsky recently blasted his players’ defending following their 2-2 league draw with Omonia Nicosia, saying his two-year-old son would have been able to “handle the situation more intelligently”. He’d have had plenty of practice given the Cypriots have conceded seven goals across their last four games (D2, L2), including losing their UEFA Europa League (UEL) opener 3-2 to Sparta Prague.
That puts the Light Brigade on the backfoot as far as the group is concerned, making this clash with managerless Rangers potentially crucial for their chances of staying in Europe beyond the winter. They’ve been hit or miss here this term in Europe (W2, L1), although as both of those wins came via a 6-2 scoreline, they clearly possess the firepower to negate any infantile defensive lapses in concentration!
After three losses in seven games (W4), including the Old Firm derby (L 1-0 v Celtic) and Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Aberdeen, Rangers sacked Michael Beale and installed Steven Davis as interim boss. Beale’s failure to reach the UEFA Champions League (UCL) also counted against him, with their 1-0 UEL win on matchday one over Real Betis amid a mounting injury crisis not giving him enough credit to survive another Ibrox defeat.
Without a European away win in five attempts (D1, L4), at least the Gers – UEL runners-up in 2021/22 – scored in both UCL qualifying away fixtures this term, something which should encourage them given Aris’ defensive frailties. Rangers fans may have happy memories of Cyprus too, as they beat Anorthosis Famagusta 2-1 here in 2005 and drew 0-0 with them in 1995.
Players to watch: Mariusz Stępiński presumably saved his defenders an even bigger tongue-lashing by scoring both goals in that 2-2 draw against Omonia – his last four goals either arrived in the 73rd or 74th minute or between the 30th and 40th. Abdallah Sima scored Rangers’ first of the game in three of their last four matches, including the winner against Betis.
Hot streak: None of Rangers’ last five UEL matches featured a goalless second half. (2H: W1, D2, L2).