Verdict: Roma win
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
In what is a heavyweight Europa League showdown on Thursday night, Rangers will welcome Italian giants Roma to Ibrox.
Rangers
Starting with the hosts, while Danny Rohl might have only arrived at Ibrox a fortnight ago, the former Sheffield Wednesday boss will be more than aware that he has a monumental job on his hands in Glasgow. Watching their League Cup adventure come to an end over the weekend as they eventually fell to a 3-1 loss against arch-rivals Celtic, the Blues have broken a string of unwanted records this season. Last seen in Europa League action getting hit with a routine 3-0 drumming against Brann, Rangers have lost all of their first three European appearances by an aggregate score of 6-1. Sat rock-bottom of the table and rightfully coming under a huge amount of scrutiny, Thursday’s hosts should be bracing themselves for another heavyweight battle here. It should also be noted, Rohl’s men have recorded just a pair of wins from any of their last seven matchups at Ibrox across all competitions.
Rangers Team News
While Thelo Aasgaard might have been shown a first-half red card against Celtic over the weekend, the Norwegian midfielder is free to feature here. However, not making a single appearance across any front since the middle of August, ex-Nottingham Forest youngster Kieran Dowell remains on the sidelines.
Although Everton loanee Chermiti might have notched just a single strike since arriving in Glasgow, the 21-year-old should keep his spot leading the line. Now in his third campaign at Ibrox, former England goalkeeper Jack Butland will start between the sticks.
Roma
As for the visitors, while Roma might have come flying out of the traps when opening up the 2025/26 campaign, the Italian icons are seeking some recent stability. Last seen over the weekend falling to a 1-0 defeat away at historic rivals AC Milan, new boss Gian Piero Gasperini has seen his squad lose three of their previous five appearances across all competitions. Likewise, despite getting their respective Europa League adventure underway almost universally regarded as a standout title contender, Roma have endured a stuttering start. Missing out on what they had billed as a golden opportunity last month as they slumped to a 2-1 defeat at home against Czech Republic outfit Plzen, the Wolves have lost two of their opening three Europa League showdowns and they travel to Glasgow on Thursday night seeking an essential European boost.
Roma Team News
Once again missing out against AC Milan over the weekend and still dealing with an extended illness, Roma will travel to Ibrox on Thursday night without one-time Manchester City defender Angelino. Likewise, struggling to find his feet after completing a season-long loan switch from Brighton, Evan Ferguson remains a doubt.
Despite missing from the penalty spot at the San Siro on Sunday, Argentinian ace Paulo Dybala will spearhead Roma’s charge in the final third. Completing a summer switch from Bayer Leverkusen, Mario Hermoso will start at the heart of Gasperini’s defence here.
Rangers vs Roma Key Factors to Consider
- Thursday’s showdown at Ibrox will be the first meeting between Rangers and Roma.
- Rangers have lost each of their first three Europa League appearances by an aggregate score of 6-1.
- The Blues have recorded just a pair of wins from any of their previous seven appearances at Ibrox.
- Despite falling to a 1-0 loss away at AC Milan over the weekend, Roma have won each of their other five showdowns away from the Stadio Olimpico.
- Roma have failed to record more than a single strike in four of their last five matchups across all competitions.
Conclusion
Despite eventually falling to a 1-0 loss away at bitter rivals AC Milan over the weekend, Roma should be confident of claiming an immediate response here. Knowing the importance of getting their Europa League charge back on track, the Italian icons should be excited by a trip to Ibrox on Thursday night. Winning five of their first six showdowns away from the Stadio Olimpico across all competitions, Roma will meet a Rangers squad who find themselves at the heart of a public nightmare. With the Blues losing all of their first three European matchups by an aggregate score of 6-1, we are backing a home win here.
Verdict: Roma win
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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