Europa League: Dons face mission improbable at Pittodrie

RANGERS and Aberdeen are on Europa League duty on Thursday night. Scottish football expert Mr Fixit (@MrFixitTips) previews their encounters.

Europa League | Thursday 15th August 2019

It should be one in, one out for Scottish clubs in the Europa League on Thursday night.

Rangers are almost there after winning 4-2 at Midjtylland while Aberdeen face mission improbable after losing 2-0 at Rijeka. Steven Gerrard's men tempt at 4/6 to extend their lead after dazzling in Denmark while the Dons are 7/1 at Betway to qualify for the play-offs.

So let's start at Pittodrie where Derek McInnes has ruled out top scorer Sam Cosgrove and that's a major blow. Cosgrove netted in the club's first four European ties and is likely to be replaced by Curtis Main who was signed from Motherwell but didn't get a sniff in the weekend defeat at St Mirren.

I branded their task mission improbable not mission impossible because if the Dons net first they'll put pressure on Rijeka. They are 11/8 with BetVictor to triumph on the night and 16/5 at Ladbrokes to win ‘to nil'. A 2-0 Dons success pays 10/1 and the Pittodrie men are 10/1 with Ladbrokes to win by three or more.

Unfortunately, I reckon Aberdeen's hopes will end by conceding. On their last visit Rijeka drew 2-2 and both to score pays 8-11 at William Hill.

Rangers were deadly in Denmark and Gerrard will task his players with keeping Ibrox a fortress after 14 goals in three home games.

Jermain Defoe hit a hat-trick against Hibs but is likely to make way for Alfredo Morelos who hit a double in the away leg. The Colombian is evens with Bet365 to net again and 15/4 to break the deadlock.

Gers conceded against Killie and Hibs, as well as two in the first leg, so a win and both to score has a chance at 9/4 with Bet365.

For a treble, take Rangers and add Gent, trailing 2-1, to beat Larnaca and Hapoel Beer Sheva draw no bet at home to Norrkoping after a 1-1 away stalemate.