PSV Eindhoven will host Rangers on Wednesday in the second leg of the Champions League playoff round after a pulsating first leg in Glasgow.
The first leg was a back-and-forth fixture with the match ending 2-2. PSV Eindhoven’s Ibrahim Sangare opened the scoring on 37 minutes but three minutes later, Rangers were level thanks to Antonio-Mirko Colak.
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Rangers went ahead on 70 minutes thanks to Tom Lawrence, but this time, it was PSV Eindhoven that came back, getting a goal eight minutes later from Armando Obispo.
Now, these rivals will lock horns again with progression to the Champions League group stage on the line. Rangers reached the final of the Europa League last season, losing on penalties to Eintracht Frankfurt.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst has built a strong side in his first offseason with the Glaswegians. However, last season’s run to the Europa League final benefitted from strong home performances after so-so road matches in the competition.
Playing at the Phillips Stadion won’t be easy with a raucous crowd behind PSV Eindhoven. The Dutch are in form as well with five games played this season, all ending without a loss. The Lightbulbs were given the weekend off in the Eredivisie to prepare for the second leg versus Rangers.
Van Bronckhorst’s team was not given a weekend off in Scotland. The result was a 2-2 draw with Hibernian at Easter Road. Rangers led 2-1 thanks to goals from James Tavenier and Lawrence going into second half stoppage-time, but conceded a late goal to draw.
Rangers have a record of 4W-2D-1L this season with their last two matches finishing in draws. The Blues have conceded late goals in their last two games in all competitions to draw.
PSV Eindhoven manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has five players on the injury list ahead of Wednesday night. Forward Yorbe Vertessen is a doubt due to an illness, while forward Noni Madueke could be included following an injury.
Fellow forward Carlos Vinicius has a hamstring issue that could keep him out of the game. Meanwhile, defender Oliver Boscagli and midfielder Mauro Junior are both major doubts to play.
Despite being red carded at the weekend in the league, Alfredo Morelos will be available for Van Bronckhorst. He won’t have striker Kemar Roofe, Ianis Hagis, and Filip Helander, however.
Rangers benefitted from playing at home last season in the Europa League, but the road was difficult for them. Playing the second leg in Eindhoven should see Rangers’ dreams of making the Champions League group stage end. PSV Eindhoven should claim a win at full-time with a 3-1 victory.