Rangers vs Lyon predictions: Gers to hold Lyon in Glasgow
- Rangers have only lost one of their last 17 European home games (W11, D5)
- Lyon secured 2-0 Europa League group-stage win at Ibrox in September 2021
- Recommended bet: Draw
Rangers and Lyon both made winning starts in the Europa League last week and they are set for a mouthwatering Matchday Two showdown in Glasgow.
After a turbulent start to the season, Philippe Clement's team have won four games on the trot without conceding a goal, but Lyon are going to prove a tough test.
The Ligue 1 outfit were the most recent side to inflict a European home loss on the Light Blues and they, too, are picking up after a slow start to the season.
Team News
Gers boss Clement opted to leave Cyriel Dessers on the bench for the weekend win over Hibernian but the in-form striker should return to the first XI as he looks to build on his record of seven goals in 11 appearances so far this season and five in his last four competitive home games.
Nedim Bajrami scored Rangers' first goal in Malmo in the Europa League opener but went off with a knock, though the midfielder was another to spring from the bench against Hibs.
Rangers will be without Danilo (knee), Rabbi Matondo (hamstring), Ridvan Yilmaz (thigh) and Oscar Cortes (knock), while Mohamed Diomande is a fitness concern.
Ernest Nuamah and Gift Orban were omitted from Lyon's matchday squad at the weekend as they came from behind to beat Toulouse in stoppage time.
Moussa Niakhate watched on as an unused substitute there and may be assessed again now following a recent spell on the sidelines.
Wilfried Zaha, Alexandre Lacazette and Said Benrahma will be familiar to Premier League observers and could all feature for the French outfit.
The stats
Rangers have only lost one of their last 17 European home matches (W11 D5).
Lyon left Ibrox with a 2-0 Europa League group-stage victory in September 2021.
Rangers forward Dessers has scored seven goals in 11 appearances so far this season.
There have been goals scored after the 70th minute in six of Lyon's seven games this season.
Lyon have won two of the three previous meetings between the clubs.
The Ligue 1 side have won three of their four previous visits to Scottish clubs.
Prediction
In a week when Glasgow rivals Celtic exposed themselves to another European thrashing, Rangers are likely to showcase once more their ability to hang tough in continental competition and get a result.
The Light Blues are not afraid to make things difficult for their opponents, with positive results prioritised over entertainment, though try telling any of the 50,000 that will pack into Ibrox they are not entertained should Clement's side earn more Europa League points following last week's win in Malmo.
Rangers have only lost one of their last 17 European home matches. As fate would have it, Lyon were the side that beat them.
Pierre Sage's team have not yet hit the high notes this season and a point in Glasgow would serve them well. Rangers have a decent goal threat in Dessers and it could end up all square at Ibrox.
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