Slavia Prague v Rangers predictions: Rangers must refocus for tight tussle

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Slavia Prague v Rangers in the Europa League on Thursday.

Where to watch

BT Sport 3, 5.55pm Thursday

Best bet

Draw
1pt 23-10 general

Team news

Slavia Prague
David Hovorka, Petr Sevcik (both knee), Ibrahim Traore (muscle injury) are sidelined and Michal Beran (knock) is a doubt.

Rangers
Leon Balogun is suspended and James Tavernier (knock), Ryan Jack and Kemar Roofe (both calf) have been absent in recent weeks.

Match preview

Rangers have been dominant in the Scottish Premiership, wrapping up the title with six games remaining, but they could be held to a draw by Slavia Prague in the Czech capital.

There were scenes of unbridled joy over the weekend as Rangers were confirmed as champions of Scotland for the first time since 2011 but Steven Gerrard must get his players refocused because there is an even bigger prize up for grabs.

The Gers have been hugely impressive in this season's Europa League and are unbeaten in 11 games, starting with last September's 5-0 success away to Lincoln Red Imps in the second qualifying round.

They topped their group, two points above Benfica, and were the leading scorers in the round of 32, defeating Royal Antwerp 9-5 on aggregate.

However, while those clashes against Antwerp were a delight for the neutral, the contests against Slavia could be tight affairs.

Rangers have shown defensive steel when needed, keeping clean sheets in three of their six group matches, and will be respectful of Slavia, who were worthy 2-0 aggregate victors over Leicester in the last round.

Slavia are unbeaten in their domestic league, taking 58 points from 22 games, and have continued to progress despite losing key players Vladimir Coufal and Tomas Soucek to West Ham over the last 14 months.

They had the benefit of taking on injury-hit Leicester at the right time but were impressive over the two matches and should offer a stern test to Rangers, who may be happy to return home with the scores level.

Key stat

Rangers are undefeated in their last eight away games.

Sign up to Sky Bet and get £30 in free bets when you place a £5 bet

First single & EW bet only. Odds of 1/1 or greater. 3 x £10 bet tokens. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free bets are non withdrawable. No free bet expiry. Eligibility restrictions. Further T&Cs apply. 18+ begambleaware.org

CLAIM OFFER HERE

MORE FREE BETS

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport