Dynamo Kyiv vs Rangers predictions: Gers set for more away misery

James Mason
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Oleksandr Shovkovskyi will be eager for Dynamo Kyiv to build a first-leg advantage
Oleksandr Shovkovskyi will be eager for Dynamo Kyiv to build a first-leg advantage

- Dynamo Kiev thrashed Partizan 9-2 on aggregate in last round
- Rangers have won one of their last 18 away Champions League games
- Recommended bet:
Dynamo Kyiv to win

Dynamo Kyiv and Rangers clash at Arena Lublin, Poland on Tuesday in the first leg of their Champions League third round qualifier.

The Ukrainian outfit put in a destructive performance in the last round, thrashing Partizan 9-3 on aggregate, while Rangers enter this year's tournament in the third qualifying round courtesy of their second-place finish in the Scottish Premiership.

Team news

Oscar Cortes was forced off for Rangers in the second half of Saturday's 0-0 draw against Hearts and he is an injury doubt for this contest.

Summer arrival Robin Propper could be handed his debut and Vaclav Cerny, on loan from Wolfsburg, is in line for his first start after coming on as a substitute last time out.

Kyiv are expecred to name the same starting XI that won 3-0 at Partizan last week, with the experienced Andriy Yarmolenko lining up as part of a front three.

The stats

Philippe Clement's Rangers started off the new season with a 0-0 draw
Philippe Clement's Rangers started off the new season with a 0-0 draw

Kyiv were dominant in the last qualifying round, beating Partizan 6-2 at Arena Lublin before picking up a 3-0 victory in the second leg to land a 9-2 aggregate success.

Former West Ham winger Yarmolenko netted the opener in the second leg, taking his goals tally in UEFA competitions to an impressive 23 from 98 appearances.

Rangers started their Scottish Premiership season with a 0-0 draw at Hearts, with the Gers having picked up just one win from their last six away games in the league.

Philippe Clement's side managed just one win from four away Europa League contests last season.

Prediction

It has been a busy summer for Rangers, who have seen a number of experienced players leave the club and also added no less than eight new players to their squad.

Clement is looking to stamp his authority on this side but it could take time for the players to gel and that was evident in the disjointed performance at Hearts at the weekend.

The Gers were arguably lucky to have come away with a point and they will not find life any easier when they head to Poland to face Kyiv, who will be fresh after being given the opening weekend of the Ukrainian campaign off to prepare for this clash.

Oleksandr Shovkovskyi's side have a nice mix of youth and experience and they were excellent across the two legs against Partizan.

Kyiv are playing better football than Rangers right now and can take an advantage into the second leg.

Tags

Champions LeagueDynamo KyivRangers