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Daily Record
Sport
Mya Bollan

What the Rangers vs RB Leipzig pundits predict as Michael Owen shares his main Europa League concern

With just one day to go until Rangers host RB Leipzig in the Europa League semi final second leg, the pundits are starting to have their say.

With a one goal deficit before the whistle blows, Giovanni van Bronckhorst' s men have it all to do if they want to secure their place in the competition's grand finale.

Domenico Tedesco's side have wealth of experience and talent, with a hugely impressive away form in Europe so far this campaign.

But with the possibility of a Kemar Roofe return, Rangers could see their starting XI boosted in time for the big game.

The Seville showpiece is just weeks away, but do the Ibrox outfit stand a chance?

Record Sport puts the hot takes in focus ahead of the big clash.

Michael Owen

The former England striker reckons the Scottish champions still have a chance of progressing as they host the German side at Ibrox.

Owen told BetVictor: “What a night this will be at Ibrox. Rangers weren’t at their best in Germany, but they did well to only lose by a goal. It was by no means a bad result, and this tie could go either way. Rangers will be desperate for Aaron Ramsey to be fit for this game.

"Leipzig are a strong side though and were worth the win in Germany. Rangers must be careful; I think Leipzig will be more dangerous on the break than when they dominate possession.

"I worry Rangers won’t quite have enough goals in them here. I’m leaning towards a 1-1 draw.”

Charlie Nicholas

Former Celtic star Charlie Nicholas has said that if Rangers 'defy the offs' and make the Europa League Final, it would be as big as winning the league.

Writing in Express, Nicholas said: “Aaron Ramsey and Kemar Roofe could come back in and that could give them a helluva chance.

“What I would say is that they need to be a lot better on the ball than they did in Leipzig.

“When they do then James Tavernier and Borna Barisic need to get as high as they can to create the ammunition for their team.

“I would still fancy RB Leipzig but you can’t write off this Rangers team.”

Brian Laudrup

Rangers icon Brian Laudrup thinks that some squad changes may be required if Rangers want to progress to the final stage of the competition.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Laudrup said: "Van Bronckhorst has to solve another immensely tricky puzzle against RB Leipzig.

"He went very defensive in the first leg and almost got out of Germany with a 0-0. Rangers obviously need a goal at Ibrox but can't be sucked in by the noise of the crowd to go all-out because Leipzig are brilliant on the counter-attack.

"Christopher Nkunku might have fluffed his lines in front of goal last week but I wouldn't bet on him doing it again.

"Striking the right balance is critical. And difficult. Up front, it would be a lot simpler if Roofe was passed fit.

"He brings additional quality in the final third and this is not a night to pass up chances."

The pundit went on to add: "The odds remain against Rangers but Van Bronckhorst and his players are getting used to upsetting predictions.

"No one should count them out. Rangers will have regrets but it would be wrong to pin blame on Gio.

"If Rangers can overturn their first-leg deficit against Leipzig on Thursday, Van Bronckhorst would become the fourth Rangers manager to take charge in a European final after Scot Symon, Willie Waddell and, finally, Walter Smith."

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