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Ibrox Stadium will host a pivotal Europa League encounter on Thursday, January 30, 2025, as Rangers welcome Union Saint-Gilloise. With both teams tied on 11 points, the stakes are high as they aim for a spot in the knockout round playoffs. However, to secure a top-eight finish, both sides not only need a win but also favourable results from other matches.

Team Analysis

Rangers

Despite an inconsistent season in the Scottish Premiership, Rangers have shown better form in the Europa League, keeping their playoff hopes alive. A 2-1 loss to Manchester United in their last European outing highlighted the Gers’ resilience against strong opposition, but it also revealed defensive vulnerabilities.

Current Form:

• Last 5 matches: 4 wins, 1 loss
• Recent match: 2-1 loss to Manchester United

Key Players:

• Hamza Igamane: The team’s leading Europa League scorer with four goals, including one match-opener.
• Cyriel Dessers: A consistent attacking presence, often involved in key moments.

Injuries and Suspensions:

• Dujon Sterling (foot), John Souttar (unspecified), and Neraysho Kasanwirjo (knee) are confirmed absentees.
• Connor Barron, Vaclav Cerny, and Leon Balogun are doubtful after recent injuries.

Home Form: Rangers have been formidable at Ibrox, unbeaten in their last 12 matches across all competitions. In the Europa League, they have secured four points from three home matches.

Union SG

Union SG have surged in form recently, winning their last four matches across all competitions. After a shaky start to their Europa League campaign, they have found consistency, positioning themselves as serious contenders for a playoff spot.

Current Form:

• Last 5 matches: 4 wins, 1 loss
• Recent match: 2-1 win over Braga

Key Players:

• Franjo Ivanovic: The Croatian striker has been exceptional, scoring four Europa League goals this season.
• Lazare Amani: A key playmaker in midfield.

Injuries and Suspensions:

• Alessio Castro-Montes, Henok Teklab, and Sofiane Boufal are sidelined due to injuries.
• Christian Burgess and Koki Machida are suspended.

Away Form: Union SG have struggled on the road, managing just one win in three Europa League away fixtures this season. However, their recent form suggests they may overcome their away-day woes.

Head-to-Head and Key Stats

• Last meeting: Rangers defeated Union SG 3-0 in the Champions League qualifiers at Ibrox in August 2022.
• Rangers have scored in every Europa League match this season.
• Union SG have scored in their last four Europa League matches.
• Rangers are unbeaten in 12 consecutive home games in all competitions.

Prediction

Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Rangers 2-1 Union SG

With home advantage and their strong Ibrox record, Rangers are slight favourites. Union SG will put up a fight, but the Gers’ firepower should see them edge out a narrow win.

Betting Tips

• Both Teams to Score: Yes
  Both sides have scored consistently in recent matches.
• Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over
  Expect an open game with plenty of scoring opportunities.
• Anytime Goalscorer: Hamza Igamane
  The Rangers forward has been clinical in Europe this season.

Possible Lineups

Rangers (4-2-3-1):
Butland; Tavernier, Propper, King, Jefte; Raskin, Diomande; Bajrami, Dessers, Yilmaz; Igamane

Union SG (3-5-2):
Moris; Sykes, Mac Allister, Leysen; Niang, Vanhoutte, Perre, Sadiki, Khalaili; Ivanovic, Fuseini

Hot Stat:

Rangers have scored first in three of their last six matches, showcasing their ability to seize early control at home.

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