Rangers v RB Leipzig betting tips: Gers still have hope

Published:
James Tavernier, Rangers v RB Leipzig betting tips

Rangers v RB Leipzig betting tips, odds and preview

Rangers remain the outsiders in the Europa League betting but still have hope of reaching the final ahead of the second leg against RB Leipzig.

They looked set to hold out for a draw at the Red Bull Arena but a late goal means Leipzig head to Ibrox with a 1-0 lead.

The tie is very much alive as we pick some Rangers v RB Leipzig betting tips for the second leg, which kicks off at 8pm on Thursday and is live on BT Sport.

Rangers need a repeat

Rangers overcame a 1-0 first-leg defeat against Braga in the last round and will look for another tumultuous night at Ibrox to see them through to their first European final in 14 years.

Leipzig dominated possession in the first half of the semi-final first leg but Gers keeper Allan McGregor did not have a real save to make until Christopher Nkunku tested him soon after the break.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side came out of their shell more after the interval but also remained defensively disciplined for the most part until Spanish wing-back Angelino fired in the winner with five minutes remaining.

Rangers are very much the underdogs despite that performance and are 14/5 to get the win they need to have any hope of progressing while Leipzig are 13/5 to hold out for a draw and 19/20 to also win the second leg.

Gers must go for goals

The biggest problem for Rangers in the return leg will be producing more of an attacking threat without leaving themselves too exposed at the back.

With strikers Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe still out injured, Van Bronckhorst again had to adapt in the first leg and in what looked like a 5-3-2 formation with midfielder John Lundstram moved back, he gave a start to Stephen Wright up front with Ryan Kent.

The Dutchman insists his tactics will change for the second leg where Rangers will have to score at least once.

He said: “It’s a different game next week. The second game in the tie is always different because you know one team has to take risks because of the scoreline. I don’t think we’re going to play the same way like we did.

“We have to win. We have to win by a margin of two. Of course one goal gets us back into the tie but I think we’re capable of doing that while respecting the quality of the opponent.

“We have had many great European nights at home and the fans will definitely give us energy and give us all the ambiance we need. My players should fight for the final.”

Rangers beat Braga 3-1 after extra time in the previous round and a home win with goals at both ends is 5/1 while the hosts are 9/5 to get the two goals they need in normal time to have a chance of winning without going the distance.

Leipzig carry goal threat

Leipzig have proved they know the way to goal on their travels this season both in the Europa League and the Bundesliga.

In the previous round they produced almost the perfect away performance to beat Atalanta 2-0 in Italy after being held to a 1-1 draw at home.

In the league they enjoyed a 4-1 win at Borussia Dortmund last month while they have also posted two 6-1 wins on the road at Hertha Berlin and Greuther Furth.

Boss Domenico Tedesco is looking forward to taking his team to Ibrox and also expects a different approach from the hosts.

After the first leg, he said: “If they play like this it’s 0-0 and they need a goal so they have to open up. We are not looking forward with fear but happiness.

“It’s a pleasure to play in such stadiums with a great atmosphere. I think Ibrox is special and we are happy to be there in one week.”

Both teams to score is an option for Rangers v RB Leipzig betting tips while the visitors are 5/6 to score at least twice.

The German side are 5/2 for victory by more than one goal while in the #YourCall betting options, we like the look of Leipzig to win or draw, both teams to score in the second half and over 2.5 goals at 7/2.

View the latest Europa League odds

All odds and markets correct as of date of publication

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