Rangers vs. Lyon: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

Rangers are a tough nut to crack when playing at Ibrox on European nights having lost only one of their last ten Europa League games on home soil. Likewise, though, Lyon have been good away from home in this competition, losing just one of their last ten Europa League games on the road.

Three of Rangers' last five Europa League games have seen both teams to score while three of Lyon's last five overall have seen both sides find the back of the net, so we aren't expecting a boring game here.

The last time these two sides met, back in December 2021, the game finished all square, and we fancy a similar outcome on Thursday night. Rangers 2-2 Lyon.

Rangers face Lyon in a crucial Europa League clash this Thursday, with both sides eager to build on good opening week results.

• Date: 03/10/2024
• Kick-off time: 20:00
• Location: Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow

This fixture presents a stern test for Rangers, who despite embarking on a European campaign that has started on a high note, are amidst a run of domestic form leaves much to be desired. Currently sitting 3rd in the Scottish Premiership, five points behind fierce rivals Celtic, Rangers will be hoping that success on the European stage can offer a reprieve from their less-than-ideal league position. Lyon, on the other hand, also arrive in Glasgow off the back of a mixed start to the season, with the French giants sitting in 11th in Ligue 1 having experienced a tumultuous period both on and off the pitch.

Rangers have made it somewhat of a habit of performing to the occasion on European nights in recent seasons, and they'll hope they can channel that energy ahead of what is a stiff test against Lyon. Currently sitting 6th in the Europa League table, they have three points from their opening group match, and they'll be looking to add to that tally at Ibrox.

The Scottish side have not had the start to their domestic campaign that they would have hoped for, currently sitting in 3rd place, a position in the league table deemed unacceptable by those close to the club, particularly given they already trail bitter rivals Celtic by five points. Inconsistent performances have seen them drop valuable points early on, and they will be looking to rectify that by finding form in Europe, a stage where they have often fared better in recent years.

In the 2021-22 season, Rangers enjoyed a deep run in the Europa League, reaching the final before eventually losing out to Eintracht Frankfurt in a heartbreaking penalty shootout. That campaign was one of the high points of Rangers’ recent European history, and while the current squad may not be as dominant, there is still the belief that they can make an impact in the competition.

One of the keys to Rangers’ success is so right-back James Tavernier, and he's started the season in impressive fashion. Tavernier has been a standout performer in a difficult season so far, contributing both defensively and offensively, and his leadership from the back, combined with his ability to provide a threat both creatively and in front of goal, consistently proves crucial for this team. Alongside him, Tom Lawrence is enjoying a good run of form having found the net three times already this season and will be crucial in providing creativity and cutting edge from the middle of the park.

Lyon, much like Rangers, have had a challenging start to their domestic season, as they sit in 11th in Ligue 1 after picking up seven points from their opening six games, and have struggled to find consistent form. Their slow start to the campaign reflects both on-field issues and a broader sense of instability off the pitch, with the club’s transfer strategy having been under scrutiny, with fans voicing their dissatisfaction with how the club has conducted its business over recent windows.

However, while their domestic form has been less than convincing, Lyon appear to be turning a corner performance-wise. Recent performances have shown signs of improvement, and the squad, led by manager Pierre Sage, will be hoping that their early season struggles are behind them.

One of Lyon’s most talented players is Rayan Cherki, a player who has been hailed as one of France’s brightest young prospects for several years now. However, the 21-year-old has struggled to fully live up to his potential, with inconsistent performances plaguing his development over the last year. Recently, though, there have been signs that Cherki is beginning to find his feet again. His talent is undeniable, and if he can find his rhythm, he could be a difference-maker for Lyon both on Thursday night and going forward.

Despite their inconsistent domestic form, Lyon are a club with European pedigree. They have a strong history in continental competitions and possess a squad that, when functioning at its best, can trouble any side. Players like Cherki, Corentin Tolisso and Alexandre Lacazette give Lyon a dangerous blend of youth and experience, and if they can build on their recent positive results, they have the potential to make a real impact in the Europa League this season.

This game will be available for subscribers of TNT Sports.

Rangers Team News:

The home side are coming into this game without the services of Rıdvan Yılmaz, Rabbi Matondo and Danilo Pereira, all of whom are out through injury. Óscar Cortés, meanwhile, is a doubt with a knock.

Mohamed Diomande is also a doubt after missing out at the weekend, but Cyriel Dessers should return to the starting XI despite starting on the bench against Hibernian.

Predicted lineup: Butland; Tavernier, Souttar, Propper, Kasanwirjo; Diomande, Barron; Cerny, Lawrence, Bajrami; Dessers.

Lyon Team News:

The French side enter this one with a fully available squad, but midfielder Moussa Niakhaté may not play any part given he was an unused substitute at the weekend following a period out with injury.

Pierre Sage made a number of changes to the starting lineup at the weekend so Lyon should be well rested, with the likes of Corentin Tolisso and Alexandre Lacazette coming back into the XI.

Predicted lineup: Perri; Maitland-Niles, Mata, Caleta-Car, Tagliafico; Tolisso, Matiç, Cherki; Fofana, Nuamah, Lacazette.

Rangers are heading into this game in solid form having won all of their last five games. At the weekend, a first half goal from Tom Lawrence was enough to see the Gers claim a handy win at home against Hibernian. In what was a fairly poor performance, Rangers will have been pleased to get over the line in less-than-ideal circumstances.

Prior to that, Rangers secured a huge 2-0 win away at Malmö thanks to Nedim Bajrami and Ross McCausland in what was a deserved win following an impressive showing.

That result followed a comfortable 3-0 win over Dundee, a 1-0 win away at Dundee United and a painful 3-0 loss against Celtic.

Lyon's latest outing saw them claim a 2-1 win away at Toulouse. Lyon fell behind after just 14 minutes but an own goal allowed them to draw level in the 28th minute. Then, at the very death, substitute Malick Fofafa provided a dramatic last-gasp winner in the 95th minute. Lyon weren't at their best by any means, but given how many changes they made to their starting lineup they'll be pleased with their afternoon's work.

Before that, Lyon beat Olympiakos 2-0, lost 2-3 to Marseille, drew 0-0 with Lens and beat Strasbourg 4-3.

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