SCOTTISH football expert Mr Fixit (@MrFixitTips) previews Tuesday night's Europa League contest between Shkupi Skopje and Rangers as the Gers begin their latest European odyssey.
Shkupi Skopje v Rangers | Tuesday 17th July 2018, 17:00 | BT Sport
Steven Gerrard breathed his first sigh of relief as Rangers boss when James Tavernier netted his penalty last week. Tavernier’s injury-time strike earned his side a 2-0 win against Shkupi and that should be enough to see them through.
Last season a 1-0 home win against Progres Niederkorn saw the Ibrox men fall short but there should be no repeat. Gerrard’s side are 1/500 at bet365 to qualify and 3/10 with the same firm to win in 90 minutes.
My tip last week was Rangers to win to nil – and Shkupi hit the bar – and a repeat pays 6/5 at BetVictor. By all accounts the Scots weren’t great last week so I’m not sure the 3-10 represents value, but Gerrard will have been happy to get 90 minutes under his belt.
The Macedonians will need to go for broke and that should give Rangers more chances. Consider both to score as the best bet at 19/20 with Ladbrokes while over 2.5 match goals is 4/7 with Betway.
Shkupi are 17/2 at BetVictor to win on the night and 50/1 to qualify which would need a 2-0 win and extra time or a three-goal victory. It’s highly unlikely and Gers should be looking forward to a meeting with Osijek or Petrocub.
Jamie Murphy netted first in the friendly against Bury and against Shkupi last week and is 9/2 at William Hill to score first again, whilst to net at any time he is 5/4. Penalty taker Tavernier is 9/1 to break the deadlock and 11/4 to net at any time.
Best Bets
Shkupi Skopje v Rangers – Both Teams To Score (19/20 Ladbrokes)
Shkupi Skopje v Rangers – Jamie Murphy anytime (5/4 William Hill)
