UEFA Cup
2008-04-03 - Glasgow Rangers vs Sporting Lisbon
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:Rangers will aim to keep the Scottish flag flying after all the English teams were eliminated in the previous round of the UEFA Cup and most importantly they are still keeping high hopes of landing four trophies this season after having bagged the CIS Cup beating Dundee United. They will face a tough test though as they welcome Sporting Lisbon who like them were relegated from the Champions League and will now hope to get the UEFA Cup as a consolation.
Rangers are in contention for three more trophies if they are to land the quadruple and their chances seems good as they hold a six-point lead over Celtic at the top of the SPL with a game to spare. They are also in the Scottish Cup quarterfinal with Patrick and a win should set up a clash with St. Johnstone in the semi-finals.
Ranger's main priority in this match is to keep a clean sheet as they did in previous matches in the UEFA Cup when they kept out Werder Bremen at home in the last 16 and also prevented Panathinaikos from scoring in the previous round. Their sights now is to reach the final which will be played on English soil – The City of Manchester Stadium to be more precise.
However do not under-estimate Sporting Lisbon as they are a pedigree class as well having come from the Champions League and also eliminated Premiership side Bolton in the previous round to get to the last eight. On their last two travels they managed to get a 1-1 draw against Bolton and also thrashed Basel 3-0 in Switzerland.
Rangers will miss the services of striker Daniel Cousin has been ruled out of the match as he is out with a broken jaw but is hopeful of featuring in the return leg next week. Steven Davis could feature after recovering from a dead leg. Further good news is that Kevin Thomson and Brahim Hemdani have recovered from shin and groin injuries to start this match as well.
As for Sporting Lisbon, they will conduct a late fitness test on Brazilian defender Ronny who is rated doubtful while Liedson and strike partner Simon Vukcevic will carry the burden of penetrating the home defence here.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
The Pick :
Rangers to win 1-0 or 2-0
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Rangers to win this match.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Rangers and give the 1/2 ball away here.
