Rangers vs Athletic Club Prediction: Expect Goals in Govan

Rangers are out of the Scottish Premiership title race and have no chance of landing domestic silverware, but they have the opportunity to end another woeful season on a high by winning the Europa League - and in order to keep the dream alive they must get past Athletic Club, who visit the Ibrox on Thursday night (20:00, live on TNT Sports 2).

Betfred's Frank Monkhouse provides his Rangers vs Athletic Club predictions ahead of the big showdown in Govan.

Rangers have home advantage in this UEFA Europa League quarter-final first leg. The locals enjoyed a sensational group phase under previous manager Philipe Clement, banking a top-eight finish and an automatic place in the Round of 16, where they eliminated Fenerbahce under Ferguson. Can the former club captain lead his men to another win on an electric night at a packed Ibrox? Rangers’ results in this tournament prove it’s foolish to write them off, especially under the bright lights.

La Liga clubs boast an impressive record in this competition, providing more winners than any other league. Will Athletic Bilbao continue Spanish football’s love affair with this trophy? The visitors will aim to be competitive in Glasgow, ensuring there’s still plenty to play for in the return leg in the Basque Country next week.

Rangers vs Athletic Club Odds

How do you price Rangers at the minute? Their league form has been nothing short of atrocious and embarrassing for everyone connected to the club, not least of all the fans. They’ve watched a squad of overpaid players continually misfire and fail to match expectations. Defeat to Hibs was the club’s fifth home loss on the bounce, happening for the first time in history. Will they bounce back? You can follow Rangers for the win at 21/10 with Betfred.

Athletic Bilbao arrive in Glasgow on an impressive run of form. The visitors have lost only one of their last six games and are unbeaten in four. The Lions posted a second-place finish in the Europa League group phase, ending level on points with eventual winners Lazio, who scored more and conceded less. Bilbao is one of the strong betting favourites to lift the trophy, and you can support the away win at 6/5 or settle for a first-leg draw at 5/2. Fans inside Ibrox and the millions watching live on TNT Sports can bet on the match-winner or play one of the many specials, including first scorer and total goals.

Both teams to score @ 4/5

Rangers can leave their troubles at the door on Thursday evening and focus on punching above their weight in Europe. Ferguson’s side have been miles from their best since Clement left and stumbled to another painful home defeat last weekend. Gers lost 2-0 to a Hibs side that worked harder, wanted it more and deserved the points. Rangers have conceded five goals in their last two games, leaking two against Hibs and three at Dens Park late last month.

Despite their obvious defensive problems, Rangers scored four goals when beating Dundee, three when edging Celtic in a thrilling Old Firm derby and hit another three away to Fenerbahce in the previous round. Bilbao scored recent goals away to Sevilla, Roma, and Espanyol. Despite their flair in attack, Athletic Club conceded against Roma, Mallorca, and Atletico Madrid. With that in mind and a competitive night expected, we advise a bet on both teams to score. Follow the pick at Betfred, watch the game and hope Rangers vs Bilbao lives up to expectations.

Athletic Club to win & both teams to score @ 3/1

With our first pick best suited to your midweek multiples, including accumulators, we aim a little higher with our second selection. Given the recent scoring form of both teams and their equally weak defences, both teams to score is a smart approach. With Rangers losing their last five matches at Ibrox, both score and Bilbao win is worth a shot.

When following this bet, it doesn’t matter how many goals the team wins by, who scores them or which team qualifies after the second leg. As long as both teams find the net at least once and Athletic Bilbao leave Glasgow with an aggregate advantage, the Betfred traders will settle your bet as a winner and pay the profits into your betting account balance.

Offers

Build your own Bet Builder bet (3/1+) of 4+ legs on any game involving a UK team in the Europa League or the Europa Conference League and get 50% of your stake back in Free Bets up to £5 if you lose. (Credited within 24 hours).

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

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