PSV vs. Rangers Betting Tips: Goals expected after lively first leg at Ibrox

Rangers travel to the Netherlands to take on PSV Eindhoven in the second leg of their Champions League play-off on Wednesday evening. The first leg ended in a 2-2 draw at Ibrox last week and after a protiable evening in Scotland, @AnthonyEadson returns with his two best bets for the action.

The last time Rangers qualified for the Champions League group stages was back in 2010 and should they fail to progress against PSV, they would drop down into the Europa League, where they finished as runners up in 2021/2022. 

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side gave the Dutch side the full Ibrox experience last week in what was a raucous atmosphere in Glasgow. The Gers followed up their stalemate with PSV with a game against Hibs at the weekend, which also ended 2-2, although Rangers finished the game with just nine players on the pitch.

PSV on the other hand have benefitted from a week away from their Eredivisie schedule that was granted by the Dutch FA, in order for the side to fully focus on their Champions League play-off. This could prove to be a shrewd move for Ruud van Nistelrooy’s men, who are currently on a 12 game unbeaten run in all competitions. 

The home side have several injury concerns heading into Wednesday’s huge game with Carlos Vinicius, Noni Madueke, Mauro Junior and Yorbe Vertessen all a doubt, and will be assessed ahead of kick-off.

For Rangers, Ianis Hagi, Kemar Roofe and Filip Helander are all sidelined through injuries, although it will be interesting to see if Glen Kamara features after being left out of the matchday squad last week with a potential transfer to Nice on the cards. 

The first selection I’m recommending comes via the bet365 Bet Builder feature and I’m opting for both teams to score and for Over 2.5 goals in the match at 21/20. Readers of my ramblings will be aware that I put up this selection last week at the slightly longer price of 23/20 and with all still to play for after the first leg I’m just as confident that this second leg will be as goal-heavy over in the Netherlands. 

Both of these sides have shown their qualities in the final third in recent weeks and looking back at PSV’s six fixtures so far this term, both teams to score has landed in all of them! In total, a remarkable 31 goals have been scored across the six matches that van Nistelrooy’s side have featured in this season. Rangers have seen Over 2.5 goals land in four of their last five matches in all formats and I feel this game has the potential to descend into chaos with a huge prize on offer for the winners.

Next up I’ve taken a lean towards Rangers John Lundstram picking up a booking in the match. The former Sheffield United midfielder was sent off against Hibs at the weekend for a challenge on Martin Boyle. Rangers are expected to appeal the decision but I’m still surprised to see 5/1 on show with Unibet for a Lundstram card in Eindhoven, considering what is on the line here in this match.

In 2020/2021 Lundstram was shown eight yellows and one red card in just 23 Premier League starts for Sheffield United. Last season, the 28-year-old was only given five yellows in total, with four of those coming in Europe for Rangers, on their way to the Europa League final. Skybet (9/4), Bet365 (2/1), Betfair (15/8), all have this selection priced much shorter than the 5/1 with Unibet, and after four yellow cards shown in the first game I’m expecting a high count from referee Szymon Marciniak here.