By Ross Kilvington
Given the change of format throughout all three European membership competitions, it was maybe inevitable that two British Golf equipment can be drawn collectively.
With simply two fixtures left after this one, a victory for both facet might show essential to their European ambitions this season.
Battle of Britain conflict
For these within the UK there’s nothing fairly like a Battle of Britain kind conflict in Europe. The final one Rangers had been concerned in led to a 7-1 defeat to Liverpool at Ibrox, representing their heaviest ever house loss in Europe.
In recent times, Spurs have defeated Manchester Metropolis on the way in which to the 2019 Champions League closing, whereas their final conflict towards Scottish opposition noticed them safe a 5-0 mixture win over Hearts within the Europa League playoff spherical again in 2011.
The 2 groups have mixed to win 4 main European trophies, reaching an extra six finals, indicating that this can be a conflict between two of Britain’s most profitable golf equipment.
The Gentle Blues and Spurs have confronted off as soon as earlier than, with the North Londoners popping out victors within the 1962/63 European Cup Winner’s Cup first spherical. Are you able to keep in mind that one!?
Key gamers
Former Celtic supervisor Ange Postecoglou will probably be hoping his return to Ibrox ends in a optimistic method. Spurs’ Jekyll and Hyde type has seen them defeat Man Metropolis twice in current weeks, but additionally undergo defeats towards Bournemouth and Ipswich City.
Brennan Johnson could possibly be the important thing man for Spurs, regardless of coming off with sickness towards Chelsea. The Welshman has scored thrice within the Europa League, including an extra help and he might line up alongside Will Lankshear and Heung-min Son.
Dejan Kulusevski was spectacular towards AS Roma final outing in Europe, recording an help whereas registering 4 pictures in the course of the match and the Ibrox facet will should be cautious of the risk he poses.
The Rangers assault is clicking into gear at precisely the correct time. 9 targets had been scored over their earlier two video games, with Hamza Igamane scoring twice within the course of. The African starlet netted twice towards OGC Good final outing in Europe and he might supply a key attacking risk towards Spurs.
Igamane ought to be supported by Nedim Bajrami and Václav Černý on the flanks. The pair have registered six purpose contributions between them throughout 5 matches.
If this attacking trio can get firing, then they might trigger Spurs some hassle.
Workforce information
Postecoglou has a number of gamers on the therapy desk. Richarlison, Mikey Moore and Wilson Odobert stay out, whereas centre-backs Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero had been pressured off towards Chelsea, ruling them out for the conflict tonight.
For Rangers, Tom Lawrence and Oscar Cortes are nonetheless unavailable, whereas Rabbi Matondo is lastly again in full coaching after damage.
Ianis Hagi and Danilo have been spectacular not too long ago, however the duo had been omitted from the Europa League squad firstly of the season, that means coach Philippe Clement should make do with out.
Prediction
This can be a match which is so arduous to foretell. Given how good Spurs might be when they’re at full movement, all the things factors to a simple win for them. However current defensive frailties counsel that if Rangers can click on into gear going ahead, they could effectively have an opportunity of gaining a optimistic end result.
For these causes, I predict an entertaining 2-2 draw.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
You’ll be able to observe each recreation from the Europa League with FotMob this season — that includes deep stats protection, xG, and participant rankings. Obtain the free app right here.