Rangers go head-to-head against Benfica on Thursday. Read our Predictions and Betting Tips with Match Preview, Head-to-head stats (h2h) and Team Form Analysis.
This match will be played on 14/03/2024 at 14:45
Ibrox Stadium will be packed when Rangers and Benfica face each other in a highly-anticipated Europa League showdown. The Gers are brimming with confidence following the FA Cup win over Hibernian and they are surely capable of matching the Eagles in front of home fans. As Rangers looked sharp in front of goal in a 2-2 draw with Benfica a week ago, we predict that they are going to find the net in the second leg. Keep in mind, though, that both Dujon Sterling and Ross McCausland suffered injuries in the FA Cup triumph.
The Primeira Liga outfit, on the other hand, defeated Estoril 3-1 in their last league match. Angel Di Maria returns to the starting XI after the Argentina winger was rested in the last league fixture, with Rafa Silva pushing for a start as well. Nicolas Otamendi is back from suspension. Given Benfica’s attacking potential, we believe that there is a big value in betting on both teams to score.
How the bookies view it
Rangers are outsiders at Ibrox, which is unusual. They can be backed at 17/10 with Wjcasino.
Benfica are 6/4 favourites with Betfred and the draw is 11/5 with Wj casino.
Recent head to heads
The sides have met three times including that game is the Estadio Da Luz last week and all have finished in draws. A pair of 2-2 draws and a 3-3 stalemate too four years ago.
Players to watch
James Tavernier did what James Tavernier does at Hibs by converting a penalty and it’s far from impossible Rangers could win another one too on Thursday. The captain and full back is 10/3 to score anytime with yyslot.
Rafa Silva is a real dangerman for Benfica and, as stated, he will come into this fully rested after being allowed to sit out their weekend win. He is 13/5 to score anytime with Wjcasino.
Recent Meetings
This will be the fourth head-to-head encounter between Rangers and Benfica. None of the previous three brought us a winner.
The two teams played two separate high-scoring draws in their clashes in the UEFA Europa League group phase in the 2020/21 season.
Both teams scored at least two goals in each of the previous three head-to-head affairs.
Rangers vs Benfica Prediction
The reverse game gave us a four-goal thriller and we have plenty of reasons to expect another high-scoring scenario in Glasgow. Rangers have scored at least two goals in eight of the previous nine home outings across competitions. They also put two goals past Hibernian in the weekend’s FA Cup action away from home. As many as 11 of Benfica’s last 12 matches in all competitions provided three or more goals. Both Teams To Score pick is our main betting suggestion at the 1.57 odds.
We will alternatively back Rangers not to lose at the 1.53 odds. The Gers are unbeaten in the last five Europa League affairs. They topped Group C above the likes of Real Betis. Rangers have also suffered just one home loss in the last 16 affairs at Ibrox Stadium in all competitions.
Benfica have been miles away from their best rhythm of late. They are winless in four consecutive away fixtures in all competitions. The run includes a goalless draw at Toulouse in Europa League, a 1-2 loss at Sporting Lisbon in the first leg of Portuguese Cup semi-finals, and a 0-5 defeat at Porto in Primeira Liga.
