RB Leipzig vs. Rangers Predictions: Two anytime goalscorers for Europa League tie

The Europa League Semi-Finals begin on Thursday night with RB Leipzig hosting Scottish champions Rangers, the hosts are favourites to win the competition but can Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men cause another upset against German opposition?

Backing a home team penalty could be worth a play. Leipzig have played two knockout round ties prior to the Semi-Finals which has seen them take five spot kicks in total including at least one penalty in every match. They scored three and failed to score twice out of the five. Bet 365 are offering 3/1 for a home team penalty to be scored and 12/1 for them to miss from 12 yards.

Willi Orban and Mohamed Simakan are definitely out of action due to suspension whilst Lukas Klostermann is a doubt due to illness which will a killer blow for the hosts defensively. The trio have been mainstays in Leipzig’s side for large parts of the season, a sudden change could cause some uncertainty at the back that may give the visitors something to exploit.

In what should be an interesting clash, backing goalscorers is an angle I’m willing to get behind with either player more than capable in having a major say in this tie. With Leipzig’s intriguing penalty stat within the competition, backing them to score and miss a penalty at 3/1 and 12/1 respectively is worth a shout personally.

Domenico Tedesco’ side dispatched Atalanta by three goals to one in the previous round which saw Christopher Nkunku score a brace in Bergamo, the Frenchman has now scored ten goals in as many appearances in European competitions this campaign.

The 24 year-old is available at 13/10 to score at anytime at the Red Bull Arena in a game where his side are as short as 1/3 for the victory.  Nkunku will most likely be on penalty duties for the German side which will enhance his chances of finding the back of the net. 

Christopher Nkunku has scored 17 times in 31 Bundesliga appearances this campaign as well as 7 times in 6 Champions League group stage games which saw him find the back of the net three times at the Etihad.

Unfortunately at the time of writing there are no shot markets available but again I’m happy to back another anytime goalscorer in the club captain Tavernier, he is as big as 8/1 via William Hill’s price boost to get on the score sheet for the visitors. The 30 year-old scored in both games against Dortmund and is guaranteed to be on penalty duties for his side which is always an added bonus.

Tavernier is actually the joint leading goalscorer in the competition which may come as a surprise to some, the Englishman has scored 6 times in 12 appearances in the competition and netted twice inside the opening 45 minutes at Ibrox two weeks ago against Braga.