Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Champions League Qualifying match.
In the second consecutive round of UEFA Champions League qualification, Rangers face another solid opponent and will need to be at their best. Against Viktoria Plzeň, they come in as favourites, bolstered by a new loan signing in Mikey Moore, who is expected to strengthen the squad depth.
Rangers
In the previous qualifying stage, Rangers overcame Panathinaikos FC with a 3:1 aggregate score. During the home leg (2:0), the team capitalised on the visitors' disadvantage following Georgios Vagiannidis’s sending off, registering a 15-7 shot advantage. A 1:1 draw with Motherwell FC may have disrupted momentum slightly, but the team are now fully focused on their Champions League campaign.
Viktoria Plzeň
Viktoria Plzeň, on the other hand, had a more turbulent start to their European campaign. They lost 0:1 at home to Servette FC, but managed to overturn the tie away with a 3:1 win, with Rafiu Durosinmi converting a late penalty to secure progression. However, Viktoria Plzeň face a significant squad value gap — €59.1 million compared to Rangers’ €112.5 million — and will be without Adrian Zeljković (suspension) and Cheick Souaré (injury).
Rangers vs Viktoria Plzeň Prediction
With the backing of a raucous crowd at Ibrox, Rangers are well positioned to secure another home win and take the upper hand heading into the second leg. Notably, Viktoria Plzeň have conceded in all four official matches so far this season, which underlines the value in backing Rangers on a zero handicap.
