UEL Preview
Steven Gerrard’s Rangers will face a tough test when they travel to Portugal to face FC Porto on Thursday.
After failing to defeat in Switzerland against Young boys earlier in the month, Rangers sit third in group G. All four teams in the group however are tied on three points having all lost one game and won the other.
Gerrard can rely on an almost full-strength squad for the clash. Ryan Kent returned to action against Hearts on Sunday and Ryan Jack is expected to travel with the squad after missing Sunday’s clash. The tie comes too soon for Jordan Jones and Jon Flanagan who both remain side lined by injury.
Group favourites FC Porto fell to a surprise defeat against Feyenoord on matchday two, a result which will breed confidence in the Rangers camp who defeated Feyenoord themselves at Ibrox last month.
Predicted line up: McGregor, Tavernier, Goldson, Helander, Barisic, Davis, Jack, Aribo, Arfield, Morelos, Ojo
Predicted score: 1-1
Celtic host Serie A giants Lazio at Parkhead and will be looking to put a dent in the Italian teams hopes of progressing from the group stages.
The Scottish Champions sit top of group E, undefeated, after a 1-1 draw with Rennes and a 2-0 victory over CFR Cluj. The hoops confidence will be high after returning to the top of the SPFL during the weekend with a 6-0 victory over Ross County.
If Neil Lennon’s side perform with same level of intensity as they did against Cluj then a victory will be achievable. Ryan Christie will be back in action for Celtic after missing out on the last domestic home game. A welcome sight for the home support.
The light blues from the Italian capital have had a rocky start to the campaign. They have a strong squad and are regulars in the Europa league, but their inconsistency away from home could be a major factor in this fixture.
Predicted lineup : Forster, Bolongoli-Mbombo, Jullien, Ajer, Elhamed, Brown, McGregor, Christie, Forrest, Elyounoussi, Edouard
Predicted score: Celtic 2-1 Lazio
