Rapid managerial appointment may make life tougher for Rangers

Group G
BT Sport 3, 8pm Thursday

Rangers have been red-hot at home, winning their last six matches at Ibrox, but Steven Gerrard's side may have to settle for a draw against Rapid Vienna.

Rapid had been portrayed as a crisis club following the sacking of manager Goran Djuricin, although they quickly appointed a popular figure with supporters in Didi Kuhbauer, who could raise morale.

Rapid's European run this season deserves respect as they knocked out Steaua Bucharest in the qualifying round and started the group stage with a 2-0 success over Spartak Moscow.

Counting against Rapid is a dreadful European away record. They have lost six of their last nine on the road, but club legend Kuhbauer did a superb job at St Polten, leading them to second this season, before returning to a team he played for in the 1996 Cup Winners' Cup final.

Rangers opened up in Group G with a superb draw at Villarreal but they are only sixth in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

Recommendation
Draw
1pt 13-5 bet365

Bet on this game at Soccerbase.com

Team news
Rangers
Ryan Jack may return to the 18-man squad, but Jamie Murphy remains sidelined and he has been joined by Lee Wallace.

Rapid Vienna
Manuel Thurnwald, Max Hofmann, Philipp Malicsek and Boli-Bolingoli-Mbombo have not travelled because of injury.

Key stat
Rangers have scored 13 goals in their last three matches at Ibrox.

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