Rangers vs Union Saint-Gilloise Prediction: Hosts will rise to the occasion

It’s matchday eight in the UEFA Europa League, and there’s still plenty to play for across the board. Just three points separate FCSB in eighth and Union Saint-Gilloise in 15th, and there are three points between Besiktas in 24th and Maccabi Tel Aviv in 29th. Which teams will finish strong and progress to the knockout stages? You can bet now at Betfred.

It has been another exciting Europa League campaign for Rangers, who entertain Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise from 20:00 on Thursday in a match broadcast live on TNT Sports 3. The hosts were unlucky losers at Old Trafford last week. The visitors have won each of their last three. Keep reading for Frank Monkhouse’s Rangers vs Union Saint-Gilloise Predictions in his Europa League preview here on Betfred Insights...

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Rangers prepare for another huge European night at Ibrox when hosting Belgian Pro League runners-up Union Saint-Gilloise.

Philippe Clement’s side enter 13th in the pecking order following three wins, two draws, and a couple of defeats, scoring 14 goals and conceding nine. They pushed Manchester United all the way at Old Trafford last week, eventually losing to a stoppage-time winner from United campaign Bruno Fernandes.

Will a return to Govan inspire Rangers to add to an impressive weekend win over Dundee United?

Union Saint-Gilloise travel from Brussels to Glasgow with their stats for the campaign showing three wins, two draws, and two defeats, scoring seven goals and conceding six.

The visitors are two places beneath their hosts in the table but level on 11 points. The Belgians know victory would silence the home crowd while driving Union Saint-Gilloise into the knockout stages of this competition.

Rangers vs Union Saint-Gilloise Odds

Thursday evening’s match at Ibrox has all the ingredients of a classic. Both sides are level on points, both have held their own in the revamped format, and both dream of booking a slot in the top eight and the next round of the tournament. We’re set for a thrilling 90 minutes that could see one team progress and one drop into the playoffs.

The traders working at Betfred seem unable to split the pair, and with a nervy evening ahead, they’re happy to sit on the fence. The pre-match betting market is packed with value, including the match-winner option.

Fancy Rangers to secure another crucial win at Ibrox? You can back the home win at an eye-catching 23/20, and that price is much better than I expected ahead of this showdown. Union Saint-Gilloise commands respect in the betting, and that shows in the 15/8 offered on the visitors. The draw is 12/5.

Rangers win

We keep things simple with our first bet in Govan, backing Rangers to win the match at a useful price. Clement’s side performed well in Manchester last midweek and look to have rescued a draw when Cyriel Dessers struck a stunning equaliser late in the game.

With the evening heading for a share of the spoils, Fernandes struck a winner to ensure the points remained at Old Trafford. That 2-1 result was Gers' first defeat in this competition in five games.

Will a Rangers side ravaged by injury show the character needed to get the win and progress? If the locals are at their best, they will feed off a special atmosphere to snatch a fourth win in eight games.

Gers usually reserve their best performances for Thursday nights in Europe, and I’m happy to stick with them, backing Rangers to win as a single.

Dessers to score

Looking to avoid the unpredictability of the match result at this late stage of proceedings when anything can happen? Our second pick at Ibrox is on Rangers’ number nine Dessers to add another goal to his already impressive tally.

The Nigerian has found himself down the pecking order recently, listed behind Hamza Igamane and Danilo. But the goalscorer returned and with great effect.

Dessers scored a stunner at Old Trafford to level the scores. He also found the net six times in his last four games. He notched a goal against Aberdeen and netted a hat trick in the cup here when Fraserburgh came calling.

He was then on target at Old Trafford and Tannadice in the space of three days. If he starts on Thursday, he’ll get chances and can score.

Frank Monkhouse covers Scottish Football for us here at Betfred Insights. You can check out all of his work along with that of the rest of our Football Betting Tips desk on our main Football page...