Rangers vs. Servette: Preview and betting tips

Scottish Rangers are aiming to qualify for the Champions League group stage after a year. In the third round, they will take on Servette, the Cup rookies from Switzerland. What to expect from the match and what to bet on?

Rangers have not had an ideal start to the season, going down 0-1 to Kilmarnock in their league debut. They had tough opponents in the preparation, but only lost to Olympiakos Piraeus from Greece and Newcastle from England.

Even the Swiss are not in a good position. They have only drawn their last four matches, including both confrontations with Belgium’s Genk in the Champions League qualifiers. They made it through to the third round thanks to a penalty shoot-out.

Rangers’ key figures

The home side rely on James Tavernier, the captain and right-back netted an incredible 18 goals and assisted nine times last season. African forward Fashion Sakala scored 12 goals and assisted on four.

Key Servette figures

Chris Bedia is having a great start to the season, the Ivory Coast international has scored four times and assisted once in five games. Angolan winger Dereck Kutesa has scored once and assisted on one goal.

What to expect and what to bet on?

Rangers are relying on a raucous home environment, having lost only one of their last seven games at a packed Ibrox Park, triumphing here against future champions and city rivals Celtic.

Servette have struggled defensively, not keeping a clean sheet for six games, averaging 1.5 goals in those games. Genk have netted two goals twice, while Rangers have similar quality offensive players.

Considering Rangers’ home form, the strength of the Ibrox Park atmosphere and the defensive woes of Servette, I think the Scottish favourite will win on home soil and go into the rematch in a better position.