Legia Warsaw vs Rangers Predictions

Rangers are into the playoff round of the Europa League, which means they are 180 minutes shy of a return to the group stage. It is yet further proof of the turnaround in European fortunes for the club under Steven Gerrard. They had won just two European games in their five European campaigns before Gerrard took charge, which dates back to 2008. Since he took over, the Gers have produced 10 wins in Europe across 12 months, while they head into this meeting with Legia as favourites.

The hosts have had to come from the first qualifying round of this competition like Rangers. Legia have had success in Europe over the years, but they still had to fight their way through three ties before making it to this point. They have done well in Europe so far, as they’re unbeaten through their last six clashes. They have experienced eliminations to F91 Dudelange and Spartak Trnava in recent seasons, but recent form has carried them to the verge of the group stage.

Rangers are favourites with the bookies here, but we have concerns about them heading on the road as they are facing a huge step up in this vital stage of the competition. While this clash comes amidst a winning streak for the Gers, they are going to have to take more of a pragmatic approach to this game. The visitors had to dig in away at FC Ufa in this round last season, as their nine-men held onto a draw to progress to the group stage. It was a tremendous result for Gerrard, as would be a draw in Poland this week.

The hosts are unbeaten in seven matches in the Europa League, while they’ve built up a bit of form at home with just one loss in their last 11 games here. The hosts are coming off a tight run of games, with a single goal scored in total across their last three here. In the Europa League, they’ve lost just once in eight home games, winning only three in that time. Their recent trend has been toward draws, with four of their last seven in this competition finishing level.

Meanwhile, Rangers have played for a stalemate in this competition when it has suited them. They’ve built up a great record over the last 12 months, losing only twice across their previous 20 matches in the Europa League. However, under Gerrard’s watch, they’ve won only three of 10 away trips in Europe, drawing half of those matches. They saw three of last season’s four trips in the qualifiers finish level, while the Gers held on for a draw in Luxembourg against Progres just last month. We think these two will play out a draw here, with Rangers hoping to win it at Ibrox.