It’s a revamped Europa League format welcoming a new-look Rangers this season – and a positive start could be key to progressing in the competition.
With fixtures against Manchester United and Tottenham just around the corner in the league phase, the trip to Sweden to face Malmo looks to be one of the kinder fixtures that were pulled out of the hat for Philippe Clement ‘s side. But history shows that the Swedish champions will be no pushovers – having dealt Rangers several bodyblows in European competitions over the years.
But a spot in the top 24 and a spot in the play-off round is the minimum that the Light Blues will hope for from the competition this season. They look to give a jolt to their European exploits this season having been knocked out of the Champions League by Dynamo Kyiv to drop into the competition.
Will the game give the Light Blues a boost, or provide an unnecessary distraction from domestic duties and Clement’s rebuild? The Record Sport team has their say.
Keith Jackson
Rangers could be doing with a shot in the arm and they just might find it on Sweden’s south coast. Malmo’s high intensity will present them with a difficult night but a point on the road always represents a good result and that shouldn’t be beyond Philippe Clement and his players.
Malmo 1 Rangers 1
Andy Newport
The Swedes have had Rangers’ number down the years so the Ibrox side will be well aware of the menace Malmo can pose at the Eleda Stadion. But Philippe Clement’s side have shown some small signs of promise in their last couple of games and if they can keep that up they can kick off their campaign with a decent draw.
Malmo 1 Rangers 1
Scott Burns
Rangers don’t have the greatest of recent records against Malmo. I think that may continue. The Swedes are top of their domestic league and are seven games unbeaten. Philippe Clement is still trying to find his strongest XI and this game could just come too early.
Malmo 2 Rangers 1
Michael Gannon
Malmo have been a scourge of Scottish sides in recent years and will be no pushovers this time either. It might suit Rangers to make it an open game and they have got the ability to hurt teams when there’s a bit more space. A point would be a more than decent return to get Clement’s side off to a flier.
Malmo 2 Rangers 2
Fraser Wilson
Rangers need a springboard for their season and I fancy them to get one in Sweden. They’ll need to soak up pressure and keep in-form veterans Anders Christiansen and Isaac Thelin quiet. But Nedim Bajrami and Cyriel Dessers can cause the Swedish league leaders problems if they’re on their game. Malmo are romping the Swedish league but their 4-0 aggregate Champions League defeat to Sparta Prague suggests their not to be feared.
Malmo 1 Rangers 2
Craig Swan
Tricky night may lie in store for Rangers. Malmo have not been great in Europe this season, but their formidable domestic record has to be taken into consideration. Philippe Clement’s team have to be at their best to get something out of the game, but the Swedes may just have too much on their own patch.
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