Having eliminated very good Lille side in the first knockout round, PSV have got to be considered favourites in this clash, especially considering their recent performances on domestic stage. Rangers, on the other hand, eliminated Sporting Lisbon on away goals, but they are unlikely to be so lucky against PSV.

Dutch goal machine

After losing the domestic dominance to Ajax and Twente last season, PSV were determined to return to the right track this term and we can already say they have done a great job. Fred Rutten’s side are leading the race in Dutch Eredivisie and are on the road to win the league title, while their performances in Europe have been nothing short of impressive. Unlike many other European giants who would regularly field weakened squads in Europa League, PSV showed from the very start of the European campaign that they take this competition very seriously and I definitely wouldn’t be surprised if they reach the closing stages of the tournament. After eliminating French Ligue 1 leaders and one of the best attacking sides in Europe, Lille, PSV should have no problems against technically inferior Rangers side, especially as Fred Rutten’s side look to be in very good form at the moment.

With Ola Toivonen returning from domestic suspension, Fred Rutten will have a full squad to choose from, which will give the hosts an extra edge over the opponents.

Gers in problems

This season is turning out to be quite a disappointment for Rangers as Walter Smith’s side are losing the title race to Celtic, with back to back defeats to their fierce rivals in less than two weeks having a devastating blow to the players’ confidence. Oddly enough, Gers have been doing pretty well in Europe and they even managed to eliminate Sporting Lisbon on away goals, although we cannot really say that was a big success considering Sporting’s disappointing showings this term. Rangers will now try to do something similar against PSV and record a good result before the return leg, but that is easier said than done. Gers have always had problems on the travels in Europe, especially against technically gifted sides, so they should be happy if they avoid a heavy defeat in Eindhoven.

Walter Smith is hoping Vladimir Weiss and Kyle Lafferty will recover in time to face PSV, but Steve Naismith, Lee McCulloch, Sasa Papac, Nikica Jelavic, Jamie Ness and Kirk Broadfoot are definitely out.

Verdict

PSV have been playing great football this term and after beating Lille 3:1 at home, they should be able to do something similar against Rangers. The Scotts are largely struggling at the moment, they have problems on European travels and are missing several key players, so I can’t see how they will avoid defeat at Philips Stadium.

Our prediction: PSV to win with -1 Asian handicap

Odds: 1.85 (17/20)

Bookmaker: 188BET