Rangers FC have seen a slight stutter in the Premiership but they also had a pretty solid January transfer window and if they can use this good bit of business to get ahead in the Europa League then it will be a major achievement.
The Gers are back in the UEL this week where they take on the mighty Borussia Dortmund. It will be an uphill battle for the Scottish side to pick up anything for this game, especially since the first leg will be played in Germany.
Rangers FC have lost seven out of their previous eight away games against German opposition and given the players that BVB have at their disposal, Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side will be the heavy underdogs on Thursday night. The last time these two sides met was back in the 1999/2000 UEFA Cup when Dortmund progressed to the next round via penalties.
The Gers have brought in some new faces last month and these players have the experience of playing at the highest level against top-class opponents so people like Kamara and Kent will hope that players like Aaron Ramsey and Amad Diallo can lead by example.
Rangers team news vs Borussia Dortmund:
Rangers played in the Scottish Cup last weekend where they got a chance to rest several first-team regulars but almost all of them will come back into the side.
Goldson, Calvin Bassey and Tavernier were all missing against Annan Athletic and they will come back into the first XI on Thursday.
Leon Balogun had picked up an injury during Rangers’ last league game so he is a major doubt for the Europa League clash while Ianis Hagi is ruled out for the rest of the season.
Diallo played in midfield against Annan but he will move to his more favoured winger role on Thursday as Kamara and Joe Aribo return to the starting XI.
🇩🇪 Next Stop, Dortmund. #UEL
✈️ Another European trip with @Clarity_BT.
📲 Check out our Instagram to go behind-the-scenes. pic.twitter.com/VobMncC0sL
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) February 16, 2022
Aaron Ramsey played 61 minutes during the weekend in order to build up his fitness and the ex-Arsenal man will be one of the first names on the Rangers manager’s team sheet.
Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent were both rested during the weekend so they too will come back into the side.
Updating on his players’ fitness, the manager said in his press conference: “Filip (Helander) was not in our European squad. It was a difficult decision but he has only played 60 mins after so many months.
“Leon (Balogun) is not available for tomorrow, hopefully back next week. Ryan (Jack) is fit to travel with us to Germany.”
Recent form:
Borussia Dortmund: WLWLW
Rangers FC: DLWWW
How to watch Borussia Dortmund vs Rangers FC?
Kick-off time: Thursday 17th February, 17:45 GMT.
TV channel/live stream: BT Sport 2 in the UK, Paramount+ US.
Venue: Signal Iduna Park.
Odds:
Borussia Dortmund to win: 1.36
Draw: 5
Rangers to win: 8
Rangers FC predicted line up vs Borussia Dortmund:
Predicted Starting Line up(4-2-3-1): McGregor; Tavernier, Goldson, Bassey, Barisic; Kamara, Joe Aribo, Aaron Ramsey; Diallo, Ryan Kent; Alfredo Morelos.
