SCOTTISH football aficionado Gerry Taylor (@thefurlongpole) shares his verdict on Thursday night's Europa League MD3 action involving Rangers.
Rangers vs Brondby | Thursday 21st October 2021, 20:00 | BT Sport
The Boys from Verstegnen rock up to Govan this evening for this Group A clash. With both sides searching for their first win in the section, it could get quite interesting right from the off.
The Gers are the bookies strong favourites, especially with home advantage, and with 50,000 fans shouting them on.
The previous group game at Ibrox (v Lyon), saw Rangers beaten, whilst there was 5 yellow cards. Then in Prague, Steven Gerrard’s men had a couple of players cautioned, and Glen Kamara red carded.
Niels Frederiksen’s visitors picked up a couple of cards in their opening salvo against Sparta, and likewise in their last couple of domestic league games.
The cards angle is one I was interested in, when I saw Croatian Fran Jovic appointed to this clash – I watched him last month referee Real Betis v Celtic, where he was quick to his pocket, brandishing 4 yellow cards in the first half. This seems to be a trend with this official in his most recent European games:
- Real Betis v Celtic – 4 first half cards
- Kairat v Fola Esch – 2 first half cards
- Larne v Pacos Ferreira – 4 first half cards
- Roma v Young Boys – 1 first half cards
- Ludogrets v Spurs – 1 first half card
- Leverkusen v Nice – 3 first half cards
- Ac Milan v Bodo Glimt – 0 first half cards
- Luzern v Espanyol – 3 first half cards
- Debrecen v Torino – 2 first half cards
- AEK Larnaca v Dundalk – 3 first half cards
- Vaduz v Levski Sofia – 3 first half cards
So, whilst overall the bookmaker’s prices were not taking many chances with Mr Jovic’s penchant for dishing out the cards, maybe the above data on his speed to produce an early card or two, can give us a more palatable price.
Hence with Ibrox usually having a noisy, lively atmosphere, and with the Croatian official being quick of the mark with a card or two, I suggest maybe an interest on the following William Hill ‘Build Your Odds’ wagers.
Best Bets
Rangers vs Brondby – Over 1.5 First-Half Cards and Over 3.5 Cards (6/5 William Hill)
Rangers vs Brondby – Over 2.5 First Half Cards and Over 4.5 Cards (16/5 William Hill)
