Prediction: Rangers vs Royale Union SG

Prediction: Rangers win

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: 888sport

The countdown to the start of the new domestic season is over as fans from across Europe and beyond look forward to another year of chaos. Beyond that, though, there’s also a lot of European football to work through with the return of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. Today, we’re going to preview the second leg of the third round clash between Royale Union SG and Rangers.

Rangers

Rangers missed out on the Scottish Premiership title last season but at the same time, they did manage to reach the final of the UEFA Europa League. Yes, they eventually fell short in their attempt to lift the trophy, but that shouldn’t take away from what they accomplished – and in equal measure, it shouldn’t distract them from the task at hand in the UCL, although the signs would indicate that’s what they’re leaning towards once again.

Royale Union SG

It’s always interesting to see a ‘newer’ face on the international stage and Royale Union Saint-Gilloise certainly fit the bill in that regard. They were able to finish top of the regular season in Belgium last season before narrowly missing out on the championship, and based on how they performed in the first leg, we’d say they could be one to watch on the road to the group stage.

Factors to Consider

• Union SG beat Rangers 1-0 in the first leg of this tie last week.
• Rangers have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six games.
• Union SG have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six games.
• Rangers have scored eight goals and conceded six in their last six games.
• Union SG have scored eight goals and conceded five in their last six games.

Conclusion

Rangers are going to come at Royale Union with everything they’ve got but at such an early point in the campaign, we’re not sure they’ve built up enough momentum yet to overturn a notable two-goal deficit. We expect them to be as hungry as ever and as lively as ever, probably earning a 1-0 win, but it won’t be enough to prevent the Belgian side from going through on aggregate.

Prediction: Rangers win

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: 888sport