Benfica vs Rangers tips and predictions: Goals galore in Europa League clash in Lisbon

Benfica reached this competition stage by holding Toulouse to a 0-0 draw to preserve their 2-1 first-leg lead.

The hosts have looked typically dominant in the Primeira Liga but recently suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time in a year.

They were dumped out of the Taca de Portugal by Sporting Lisbon last week and followed that with a spectacle collapse against rivals Porto.

Roger Schmidt’s side were overrun as they trailed 2-0 at half-time and conceded three more in a second half where Nicolas Otamendi saw red.

Rangers have enjoyed an extended break from European competition as a reward for topping a group containing Real Betis, Sparta Prague and Aris Limassol.

 

 

The Gers missed a golden opportunity to take a five-point lead in the Scottish Premier League after losing 2-1 at home to Motherwell on Saturday.

That slip-up looked like it had opened the door for Celtic to return to the summit only for the Hoops to lose the following day.

The obvious motivation here will be progressing to the next round of the Europa League but both sides will feel they owe their fans a performance, so we expect a full-blooded clash.

The previous two meetings between the sides ended level and produced 10 goals. Based on recent form, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see plenty of goals again.

 

Team news

Juan Bernat and Alexander Bah are ruled out for Benfica.

Rafa Cabral will be flanked by ex-Premier League star Angel Di Maria.

Rangers will be without Ross McCausland, Abdallah Sima, Danilo, Kieran Dowell, Rabbi Matondo, Oscar Cortes and potentially Todd Cantwell.

 

Key stats

- The last two meetings have resulted in a 2-2 and 3-3 draw
- Both teams have scored in six of Benfica’s last eight Europa League games
- Benfica scored at least two goals in nine of their last 10 matches
- There have been over 2.5 goals in Rangers’ last five league games

 

Suggested bets

Both teams to score

Match result: Draw

Over 2.5 goals