Rangers will know their Champions League fate in just a matter of hours as they face PSV Eindhoven in the second leg of their Champions League playoff.
After an entertaining 2-2 draw at Ibrox, it's all to play for at the Philips Stadion as Gio van Bronckhorst looks to lead the Light Blues back to the group stage for the first time in over a decade. After overcoming RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund, Red Star Belgrade and Braga on route to the Europa League Final last season the Dutchman will be looking to recapture some of that European magic again to navigate the playoff and secure a £30million jackpot.
However, GVB's former teammate and Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy proved last week that PSV Eindhoven will be no pushovers. They impressed in Glasgow and will be confident of getting the result they need on their own patch, and come into the game well rested after being granted a break from Eredivise action last weekend by the Dutch FA to focus on their European ambitions.
It is certain to be another exciting night of action, but who will reach the group stage? Here is what our writers reckon...
Andy Newport
The Ibrox side have raised their game time and time again on the Continent over the past few years but this could be their toughest challenge yet as they go in search of the promised land. PSV won’t make it easy and Gers might have to go the distance to get there.
PSV 1 Rangers 1 - (Rangers to win on pens)
David McCarthy
There was nothing between the teams at Ibrox, but Rangers’ away form hasn’t been great and the Alfredo Morelos situation hasn’t helped matters. They’ve got a chance, no doubt, but the Dutch outfit could just edge it in front of their own fans.
PSV 2 Rangers 1
Scott Burns
It will take a top performance but Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side produced a few of them on the way to the Europa League final last season. I know they haven’t got Alfredo Morelos but they still have goals and Rangers can catch PSV on the counter. Let’s see.
PSV 1 Rangers 2
Gavin Berry
The Philips Stadium has been a happy hunting ground for Rangers who are unbeaten on three visits but the task looks too big for them to progress. Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side showed their quality in the first leg and on home soil will have too much.
PSV Eindhoven 2 Rangers 1
Craig Swan
It’s a 50-50 tie and it could go all the way. Both sides are best offensively and, with home advantage, it might just sway in favour of PSV. There will be goals.
PSV 2 Rangers 1
Fraser Wilson
Tough one to call. A year ago I think Rangers would have won this. But there’s a fragility about their defence at the moment which I fear could cost them in Eindhoven. PSV were impressive at Ibrox and they’ll be even stronger going forward in the Philips Stadion.
PSV 2 Rangers 1
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