Athletic Club vs Rangers Prediction: Hosts to finish off Barry’s walking wounded

Rangers may have endured a torrid season under two different managers, but they are one of only eight teams left in the Europa League, joining big names like Tottenham, Lazio, and Manchester United. The Gers hope to build on a goalless draw earned in Govan with ten men by finishing Bilbao in a tantalising quarter-final at Estadio San Mames. Kick-off is set for 20:00 and TNT Sports 2 is where to watch.

Betfred traders price the locals as hot favourites to win and book a spot in the semi-finals. Are the Lions good value for the result, or will Rangers fans enjoy another Thursday night party? Frank Monkhouse tipped a 3/1 winner in the Scots’ previous outing and shoots for another profit as he takes us through his Athletic Club vs Rangers Predictions...

With three of the four Europa League quarter-finals level after the first leg, there’s all to play for on Thursday evening, including in the Basque Country.

La Liga's top four contenders, Athletic Club, left Glasgow with a goalless draw despite seeing their opponents reduced to ten men early in the contest. Bilbao had a goal disallowed and missed a penalty on a nervy night at Ibrox Stadium.

Rangers understand their best chance of beating the Spanish side came from making home advantage count in the opening leg. But Barry Ferguson’s plans quickly unravelled when Dutch defender Robin Propper saw red inside the opening 13 minutes of play.

What followed was a backs-to-the-wall performance from an injury-ravaged Gers, who showed the character and determination to keep their opponents at bay and remain in the tie. Thursday’s trip to Spain now becomes a must-win for both sides.

Athletic Club vs Rangers Odds

Athletic Club hold the home advantage and set up on a strong run of form. Ernesto Valverde’s men sit fourth in a competitive La Liga, thanks to a five-game unbeaten run.

They currently have two avenues into next season’s Champions League: by holding their league position or winning the Europa League. Fans would be delighted with either outcome. Following a 3-1 home win over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, it’s little surprise to see Bilbao trading at 4/11 on the Betfred website and app.

Rangers’ love affair with the Europa League is something special, and the competition has been the only respite for the fans following several woeful seasons in the Scottish Premiership.

The light blues battled hard last week to avoid a home defeat with the odds against them. They remain in the tie heading to Spain, allowing fans to dream of another stunning upset win. Can the visitors win in Spain? Yes. Will they though? You can back Rangers at 15/2 or try another draw at 4/1.

Athletic Club to win

Followers of my European previews have been part of a thrilling rollercoaster ride, betting on and following Rangers in this competition. We’ve landed some fantastic winners at big odds, and I’m hoping for another profit. But I expect the Gers’ journey to end at the San Mames. The visitors struggle with a lengthy injury list, with key man Dujon Sterling recently added to the casualties. Thursday looks like a bridge too far.

The Spanish side could’ve and should’ve won in Glasgow. Only an inspired performance from the Scots and a famously passionate support denied them a first-leg lead. Athletic are in great form, have the crowd behind them and will punish a proud opponent that’s down to the bare bones of the squad. Add the home side to your midweek accumulators at 4/11.

Athletic Club 2-0 Rangers

With the home side backed to win at a fair price, we turn our attentions to a second bet at a price that will grab your attention. My readers enjoyed a nice winner on Rangers drawing in Aberdeen on Sunday when they fought back from 2-0 down. I don’t expect the Spaniards to make the same mistakes as the Dons and allow their opponents back into the game.

The hosts' have conceded just one goal in their three games played this month, with Vallecano grabbing the spare on Sunday. They kept clean sheets against Rangers and Villarreal.

Following the form into March, Athletic have successfully protected their goal in four of the last five. They won 2-0 in their only other home match against Thursday’s rivals. Rangers leaked two goals against Aberdeen and Hibs this month and failed to find the net in two of their last three. Back Athletic Club 2-0 Rangers in the correct score market at Betfred.

Offers

Double Delight & Hat-Trick Heaven: Get double or treble the odds if your winning First Goalscorer bet scores a 2nd and 3rd.

Acca Flex: Place a pre-match 5+ leg Football accumulator and get a CASH bonus up to 100% if all of your selections win or your money back as CASH if one leg lets you down.

Click the link for all the latest Football Odds

Find more Football Betting Tips here at Betfred Insights