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Preview: Rangers vs. Lech Poznan - prediction, team news, lineups

Sport Mole previews Thursday's Europa League clash between Rangers and Lech Poznan, including predictions, team news and possible starting lineups.

Rangers are set to host Polish side Lech Poznan at the Ibrox stadium, with the Gers currently sitting second in their Europa League group after winning their opener 2-0 against Standard Liege.

Lech Poznan, meanwhile, took part in a six goal thriller in their opening game, but were unable to pick up any points, losing 4-2 to group favourites Benfica.


Match preview

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard pictured on October 17, 2020© Reuters

Steven Gerrard will be hoping to continue his impressive season with the Glaswegian side, winning his first game in the Europa League, while currently topping the Scottish Premiership.

Recently, Rangers were able to gain a crucial 2-0 away win over arch rivals Celtic - putting them as favourites to win the 2020-21 title.

During the game, Connor Goldson scored a brace, with the visitors clearly the more dominant side throughout the 90 minutes.

Their most recent league match also ended in a 2-0 win, this time against Livingston, with ex-Tottenham star Jermain Defoe and Joe Aribo getting on the scoresheet.

The Gers, who are unbeaten this campaign, sit six points above Celtic - yet the holders currently have a game in hand.

Hammarby's Gustav Ludwigson (l) in action with Lech Poznan's Jakub Moder (r) on September 15, 2020© Reuters

Despite this, Poznan will be heading into the match hopeful, having managed to score twice against Benfica last week.

Dariusz Zuraw's men managed to equalise on two occasions during their opening Europa League match, before the Portuguese side went on to score two goals in the final 30 minutes.

However, their time in the Polish Ekstraklasa has been rather bleak - winning just two games in their first seven league fixtures, putting them in 10th place.

In fact, Poznan only managed to claim a late equaliser in their most recent match, securing a 1-1 draw against Cracovia.

They are undoubtedly the least favourites to go through their group, currently sitting third in group D.

Rangers Europa League form: W
Rangers form (all competitions): WWWWWW

Lech Poznan Europa League form: L
Lech Poznan form (all competitions): DLLWWW


Team News

Rangers forward Kemar Roofe celebrates scoring against Kilmarnock on August 22, 2020© Reuters

This Europa League clash should give Gerrard the opportunity to rest some key players, with the former Liverpool man looking ahead to his tough league fixture against Kilmarnock.

Both Ryan Kent and Steven Davis could miss out on their first home game of the competition, giving way to the likes of Kemar Roofe and Glen Kamara.

Alfredo Morales is also expected to start, with the English coach keen to get his striker back to goalscoring ways.

In terms of injuries, Rangers are still without long-term absentee Nikola Katic, while Borna Barisic remains doubtful.

For Poznan, they could be without key playmaker Pedro Tiba, with the 32-year-old unlikely to travel to Glasgow for the game.

Tiba, who has scored three times and provided six assists in all competitions this campaign, missed their 1-1 draw against Cracovia due to a thigh strain.

Despite Tiba's absence, Mikael Ishak is likely to start for the Polish side, with the striker currently the team's leading goalscorer this season.

Rangers possible starting lineup:
McGregor; Tavernier, Goldson, Helander, Bassey; Jack, Arfield, Kamara; Hagi, Morelos, Roofe

Lech Poznan possible starting lineup:
Bednarek; Czerwinski, Satka, Crnomarkovic, Kravets; Muhar, Moder; Skoras, Ramirez, Marchwinski; Ishak


SM words green background

We say: Rangers 3-1 Lech Poznan

With Rangers currently in superb form, it is hard to see them getting anything other than a win on Thursday. Although Poznan will be confident to at least get on the scoresheet, we cannot seem them claiming the all-important three points in Glasgow.


Top betting tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting under 3.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Under 3.5:data

ID:420004:cQx

Who will win Thursday's Europa League clash between Rangers and Lech Poznan?

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Jermaine Defoe pictured in Rangers gear in March 2019
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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1RangersRangers1614204534244
2Celtic1494135142131
3Hibernian168532416829
4Aberdeen158432117428
5Motherwell166372121021
6Dundee UnitedDundee Utd165561220-820
7Kilmarnock165291820-217
8St Johnstone164571420-617
9Livingston164391624-815
10Hamilton AcademicalHamilton1642101936-1714
11Ross County163491030-2013
12St Mirren15339822-1412

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