Rangers have one foot in the Europa League last-16 following their 4-2 drubbing of Borussia Dortmund last week and they will look to deliver a knockout blow when they host the German side today.
The Scottish champions put Dortmund to the sword at the Signal Iduna Park, scoring three goals without reply in the first 50 minutes. Although Marco Rose’s men fought back and grabbed two vital goals, they will have a mountain to climb when they visit Ibrox.
Rangers have won nine straight games without conceding a goal on their home turf, but enter this clash on the back of a surprising 1-1 draw at Dundee United.
Dortmund, on the other hand, bounced back from their loss to Rangers with a 6-0 demolition of Borussia Monchengladbach at the weekend.
Rangers vs Borussia Dortmund – Team News
Rangers
Aaron Ramsey sat out the game against Dundee with an injury and is likely to miss out once again. Ianis Hagi and Leon Balogun are unlikely to play, while Jon McLaughlin tested positive for COVID-19 recently and is expected to miss out.
Alfredo Morelos had a disappointing outing against Dundee, missing a number of chances, but he’s Rangers’ biggest goal-threat and will lead the line.
Borussia Dortmund
Dortmund’s talisman Erling Haaland did not travel with the squad to Glasgow as he continues his recovery from a groin injury. Dan-Axel Zagadou has been ruled out with a long-term injury, while Giovanni Reyna is expected to miss out after picking up a knock at the weekend.
Manuel Akanji will also not feature, but Thomas Meunier has shaken off a muscle injury and is in contention to start.
Rangers vs Borussia Dortmund – Predicted Lineups
Rangers Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): McGregor; Tavernier, Goldson, Barisic, Bassey; Lundstram, Jack; Kent, Aribo, Arfield; Morelos
Borussia Dortmund Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1): Kobel; Can, Pongracic, Hummels; Guerreiro, Bellingham, Dahoud, Hazard; Reus, Brandt, Malen
Rangers vs Borussia Dortmund – Key Players
Rangers – Alfredo Morelos
The Colombian has netted 10 times in 13 appearances under Giovanni van Bronckhorst. His strength and movement caused plenty of problems for Dortmund’s defence in the first leg, with manager Marco Rose describing him as “very difficult to defend against.”
Borussia Dortmund – Marco Reus
With Haaland ruled out and Donyell Malen struggling in front of goal, the onus will be on Marco Reus to deliver on Thursday. The German netted twice and provided three assists in the 6-0 win against Monchengladbach and will need to carry that form into the game against Rangers if his side are to have any chance of overturning the two-goal deficit.
Prediction: Rangers 1-3 Borussia Dortmund (Dortmund to win on penalties)
