Rangers to make RB Leipzig sweat in first leg
RB Leipzig host Glasgow Rangers in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League semi-final at the Red Bull Arena. The hosts had been on a 15-game unbeaten run in all competitions under the auspices of Domenico Tedesco, but that came to an end last weekend at the hands of Union Berlin. The visitors look set to finish runners up in the SPFL, but have dazzled on the continent this season. Read our preview here:
Christopher's robbing
Lying fourth in the Bundesliga following a huge recovery after a disastrous start, a path back into the Champions League looks viable by either route. One of the chief reasons for their surge has been the massively talented Christopher Nkunku. The French forward is attracting interest from other elite teams ahead of a truncated summer transfer window, and along with strike partner André Silva, the duo will ask an awful lot of questions of the Gers' backline. Elsewhere, Willi Orban, Mohamed Simakan and Kevin Kampl are all suspended, which could mean a start for Nordi Mukiele at right-sided centre back.
Kent's open
Mukiele will be up against Ryan Kent if the former does get the nod. The 25 year old is one of Gio van Bronckhorst's most reliable creators, and a key component of the Bears’ approach play in the final third. Kemar Roofe has joined Alfredo Morelos on the sidelines, exposing the lack of depth up top. Fashion Sakala is more commonly used in wider areas, but might have to lead the line in Germany.
Betting tip
On paper, RB Leipzig have the stronger squad available to them, but Rangers have surpassed all expectations by making it this far, especially without Morelos in recent weeks. bet365 have odds of 2.75 for over 3.5 goals to be scored in the first leg.
