Match Forecast: Rangers versus Viktoria Plzen
Rangers Set to Face Viktoria Plzen in Champions League Qualifier
Rangers, currently undefeated this season, will take on Viktoria Plzen in the second leg of their Champions League third-round qualifier on Tuesday. The Scottish team delivered a strong performance in the first leg, securing a 3-0 victory at home.
However, the best prediction and betting odds favored a draw at 5/2 from ZetBet before the matches. In a surprising turn of events, Viktoria Plzen won the second leg 2-1 in the Czech Republic, but Rangers advanced 4-2 on aggregate to the playoff round.
Rangers manager Russell Martin praised goalkeeper Jack Butland for his performance despite conceding twice. The team will be without Thelo Aasgaard and Hamza Igamane, who are still unavailable, but Max Aarons has recovered from an injury and could contest the left-back spot with Jefte. John Souttar is likely to partner Djiga in defense for the midweek clash.
Igamane has not played since the Panathinaikos tie due to a visa issue. Oliver Antman, who made his Rangers debut last week and assisted a goal in their 3-0 win over Viktoria Plzen, is expected to be in the squad. Mikey Moore, on loan from Tottenham, is close to receiving international clearance and could provide an additional attacking option for the Scottish team.
For Viktoria Plzen, Rafiu Durosinmi and Matej Vydra form the strike duo. Adrian Zeljkovic is available again after suspension, while Pavel Sulc has left the club for Lyon, and Jiri Panos is likely to replace him. Prince Adu is another attacking option for the Czech team.
Viktoria Plzen, who reached the Champions League group stage five times, opened their domestic season with a 5-1 win, a 1-1 draw, and a home draw. They may struggle for rhythm and may be discouraged by their heavy defeat in Scotland.
The best odds for the match, according to ZetBet, are 29/10. Despite their underwhelming domestic form, Rangers have excelled in Europe and will be aiming to maintain their impressive run in the competition.
- Given the team news, the forthcoming Champions League match between Rangers and Viktoria Plzen features significant strategic implications for both sides, considering the Scottish team's terrific run in European leagues and the Czech team's struggles with rhythm, particularly following their heavy defeat in Scotland.
- In the realm of sports betting, it's interesting to note that the betting odds for this Champions League match still favor Rangers, despite Viktoria Plzen's spirited comeback in the second leg of their qualifier, with ZetBet offering odds of 29/10 for a Rangers victory.
