WOLVES, Rangers and Aberdeen and Kilmarnock are all on Europa League duty on Thursday night. Scottish football expert Mr Fixit (@MrFixitTips) previews their encounters.
Europa League | Thursday 25th July 2019
Rangers have made progress since Steven Gerrard arrived – and it will be a huge shock if they don't Progres in the Europa League. The Ibrox men can avenge the worst result in their history by blowing away Luxembourg minnows Progres Niederkorn on Thursday.
Two years ago clueless Pedro Caixinha led his men to a 1-0 home win before crashing out away from home. This year, Progress edged past Cork on away goals and are no-hopers in the eyes of bookies. Rangers are no bigger than 1/18 with Ladbrokes to win so you have to think big.
This should be a stroll with at least a three-goal victory for Gerrard. That pays 3/5 and is OK on accas while -3 is 2/1 at Paddy Power.
Strikers Jermain Defoe and Alfredo Morelos are both 15/8 at Ladbrokes to score first but there could be value in penalty taker James Tavernier. There’s every chance of a pen with Gers attacking with intent and Tav is 6/1 at Betway to break the deadlock and 13/8 with Sky Bet to net.
Aberdeen are the other Scottish club in action and have a tricky test at Chikhura Sachkhere.
Thursday’s tie has been moved to toasting Tbilisi and even though fans will get in free it will feel like more of a neutral venue. The Dons have played better away over the last year but a best price of 4/5 doesn't tempt.
Both sides won 2-1 in each leg in the last round so Both Teams To Score could be the way to go at 6/5 with Bet365.
Finally, Wolves won't be at full strength on their return to Europe at home to Crusaders but should win with plenty to spare. The handicap line is set at -4 and could be covered but I'd rather back Wolves to win ‘to nil’ at 8/13 with Betway.
Best Bets
Rangers v Progres Niederkorn – James Tavernier to score at anytime (13/8 SkyBet)
Chikhura Sachkhere v Aberdeen – Both Teams To Score (6/5 Bet365)
Wolves v Crusaders – Wolves to win ‘to nil’ (8/13 Betway)
