It is just a matter of hours until Rangers welcome PSV Eindhoven to Ibrox in the Champions League playoff first leg.
In another huge European night in Govan, Gio van Bronckhorst's men will be looking to secure a convincing home result to stand them in good stead on their travels for the second leg next week. But the Dutch side, led by GVB's former teammate and Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy, are sure to provide tough competition. Success over the two legs would see Rangers reach the group stage of the prestigious European competition for the first time since the 2010/11 campaign. So, the pressure is truly on this evening.
It was an impressive display that secured the Light Blues' place in the play-off as they turned around a two goal deficit in front of a 50,000 strong home crowd to say toodle-oo to Union Saint-Gilloise last week. For their part, PSV dramatically knocked out Monaco after their tie reached extra time. And now the Dutch outfit test their luck at Ibrox, where none of RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund, Red Star Belgrade or Braga could secure victory last season.
One thing is for sure, it will be another exciting European evening in Govan. But will Rangers come out on top? Here is what our writers reckon...
David McCarthy
This could be the first instalment of an absolute cracker and with both sides looking more potent offensively than defensively, there will be goals.
Having Ryan Kent available is massive, as he comes to life on these occasions and he could be the man to swing the tie, marginally, in Gers’ favour.
Rangers 3 PSV 2
Fraser Wilson
Gio van Bronckhorst’s side are at their best on these occasions as they proved time and again last season. A couple of those heroes have gone but the spine of the team remains the same and with that electric Ibrox atmosphere behind them they should do enough to ensure they have a real chance heading into the second leg.
Rangers 2 PSV 1
Scott Burns
I suspect Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side will fancy their chances against most teams at Ibrox. I can see them winning the first-leg with Malik Tillman and James Tavernier being influential.
Rangers 2 PSV Eindhoven 1
Craig Swan
Giovanni van Bronckhorst will know the importance of getting a first-leg lead to take to his homeland, but that’s not going to be easy against a side who dismissed Monaco. The Dutch have goals in them and it may end up a scoring draw leaving the tie in the balance.
Rangers 1 PSV 1
Liam Bryce
Two teams in fine attacking fettle should serve up some serious first leg entertainment. It’ll be blow for blow, but Rangers can give themselves a fighting chance of reaching the group stage with an Ibrox-inspired win over the Eredivisie leaders.
Rangers 2 PSV 1
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