Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas has made his weekly Europa League predictions and as usual has had his say on Rangers chances in their match against Feyenoord in Rotterdam as reported in The Daily Express.
Nicholas has struggled with his allegiances when it has come to backing Rangers in the Europa League, claiming “defensive frailties” and that the Ibrox side lacked the necessary guile to beat a team like Porto.
So what has Nicholas said?
The former Celtic and Aberdeen striker, when giving his opinion on Rangers chances in Rotterdam said:
“I expect Rangers to come away with a draw against Feyenoord on Thursday to keep their Europa League hopes very much alive”.
“Dick Advocaat is back in charge of the Dutch club but they struggled at the weekend again. They seem to be on a downer”.
“I find it hard to figure out why Rangers do so well in Europe. But because of that I can see them going out to the Netherlands and getting another positive result”.
“If they do, it will set things up nicely for their last game at home to Young Boys in the fight for qualification”.
So is Nicholas correct?
If Nicholas had referred to the Light Blues recent European away form in the group stages you could understand his decision making; a draw with Porto, a defeat against Young Boys (that they should’ve at least won), a draw with Villareal and defeats against Rapid Vienna and Spartak Moscow that, again, they should’ve won or at least drawn.
He struggles to see “why Rangers do so well” in Europe, remember he is paid to be a football pundit, to analyse games and give a measured response or insightful viewpoint from an ex-professional’s perspective.
Rangers know that a win almost seals progression to the next stage whereas Feyenoord are already out and have a few injury issues, Steven Gerrard is pragmatic but he also knows when to go for the jugular, you never know, Uncle Dick might do his old club a favour too.
Will Rangers progress to the knockout stages of the Europa League?
Yes
No
As with previous weeks, Nicholas has sat on the fence and made a decision based on very little knowledge of either team or their style of play, despite being away from home, Rangers should be favourites and will be looking to confirm European football after Christmas for the first time since 2010/11.