Gerard Moreno Villarreal 31082018Getty

Villarreal v Rangers Betting Tips: Latest odds, team news, preview and predictions

Villarreal claimed their first La Liga win of the season at the weekend and welcome Scottish side Rangers to the Estadio de la Ceramica on Thursday night.

The Spanish outfit are favourites to progress from Group G and they will be aiming to spoil the party for Rangers, who have had to play eight matches to reach the group stages of the Europa League.

Latest odds

SportPesa make Steven Gerard's men clear outsiders at 8/1 (9.00) for the win, while Villarreal are offered at 1/3 (1.33) and the draw can be backed at 4/1 (5.00).

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Team news

Steven Gerrard Rangers 02092018Getty

Carlos Bacca came off the bench to score the only goal of the game against Leganes on Sunday and his experience in this competition is likely to see him given a starting berth. Santi Cazorla was an unused substitute but could get some minutes on Thursday for Villarreal.

Gareth McAuley and Ryan Jack are both doubts for the visitors, whilst Alfredo Morelos and Jon Flanagan are both suspended after seeing red against Ufa in the qualifiers.

Preview

Rangers' away form must be a cause for concern for fans and manager alike, with the Ibrox outfit failing to win a league game on the road since February.

During that time they have conceded three times against Motherwell, five goals to Hiberian and five goals to Celtic, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last nine away matches in the Scottish flight.

Villarreal Rangers graphic

In the Europa League they have been slightly more solid, although the standard of opponent has been lower and the challenge of facing Villarreal will be a considerable step-up.

The Yellow Submarine may have made a modest start to their La Liga campaign but they boast some extremely talented attacking players that can cause Rangers plenty of problems.

Tips and predictions

Villarreal to win and over 2.5 goals in the game is available at 19/20 (1.95) and looks like an excellent angle from which to back the hosts, especially given Rangers' defensive woes on the road.  

Betting Banner - Best Bet Villarreal to win and over 2.5 goals at 19/20 (1.95) for a 2pt stake with SportPesa SportPesa footer
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