Rangers vs Fenerbahce Predictions

• At least three goals have been scored in four of Rangers’ last five Europa League matches
• At least three goals have been scored in Fenerbahce’s last four Europa League away games
• Rangers have lost their last three home games

Fenerbahce boosted for Rangers rematch

Rangers could need the two-goal cushion they built on the banks of the Bosphorus last week when they face Fenerbahce in the return leg at Ibrox Stadium on Thursday.

Barry Ferguson’s side produced a classic away performance to run out 3-1 winners in Istanbul and leave Fener boss Jose Mourinho to bemoan the mistakes that cost his team. The match was unusual because Fenerbahce are rarely so generous at home and Rangers have had a poor campaign all round, but this Light Blues squad have been able to raise their levels for some of the big games.

As Mourinho alluded to after the final whistle last Thursday, they will have to do it again in Glasgow but this time when going into the game as the favourites to progress. The visitors will be bolstered by the availability of Fred and Bright Osayi-Samuel, who were suspended for the first leg, while Turkish midfielder Ismail Yuksek may be fit enough to contribute too.

Mourinho’s men have to go for it

Fenerbahce’s away record in this competition, which includes three draws and only one win from five trips this season, won’t strike fear into many Rangers hearts. But they have scored multiple goals in their last three Europa League games on the road.

But if Rangers score once, they need three goals to stay in the competition and that is not something they have managed since 2021. The Yellow Canaries have kept three clean sheets in their last six away from home, so there is a chance they can make things interesting by going 2-0 up at Ibrox.

When this Rangers team are required to break down a defence, they struggle. But they become a different proposition when it’s a toe-to-toe encounter and there’s space and a freedom to counter. How Fenerbahce set about recovering in the tie without opening up too much will be Mourinho’s problem on Thursday and it is unlikely to lead to a dull game.