Our prediction for this Europa League match:
Rangers will be aiming to defend their slim lead in the tie against Antwerp when the two teams face each other at Ibrox Stadium on Thursday evening. The Gers came from behind to record a thrilling 4-3 win over the Jupiler League outfit a week ago, and, as a result, they are with one foot in the Europa League last 16. Steven Gerrard’s men are enjoying a season to remember, and we predict that they will give fans yet another reason for celebration on Thursday.
Ryan Jack has joined James Tavernier and Kemar Roofe in the recovery room. The Belgians will surely give 100% to overcome the deficit, but seeing that Rangers are a real force to be reckoned with at home, we predict that the visitors are going to return to Antwerp empty-handed. The good news for the visiting team is that important attacker Dieumerci Mbokani has overcome his injury.
Highlighted Player (Scott Arfield):
Despite being born in Dechmont, Scotland, Scott Arfield represents Canada on the international stage. Arfield, though, played for Scotland U19 and U21 teams in the past and he made one appearance for Scotland B as well. Scott’s father, though, was born in Toronto, Canada and that is the main reason why he decided to play for the Canada national football team.
The Burnley midfielder made his Canada debut on March 25, 2016 in a 3-0 loss to Mexico. Scott Arfield began his club career at Falkirk and he scored 13 goals in 108 appearances in the league for the Scottish club. In 2010 he signed a deal with Huddersfield Town and he played for the Terriers from until 2013.
As previously mentioned, Arfield currently wear’s Burnley shirt, meaning that he is enjoying the Premier League football. You should bear in mind that the Scottish midfielder netted one goal for Burnley in the 2016/2017 season. He found the net in a 2-1 win over Everton on October 10, 2016.
Highlighted Team (Antwerp):
Founded back in 1880, Antwerp is one of the oldest clubs in Belgium. The Great Old welcome their rivals at Bosuilstadion, the venue with the capacity of 16,144 people. Antwerp are well known for their red home kits, with the team wearing white shirts and white jerseys when playing on the travels.
Over the years Antwerp have been trying to close the gap between Belgian giants Anderlecht and Club Brugge, but they have yet to win the title in the recent history. The Great Old clinched their first domestic trophy back in 1929, with the team repeating the success two years later. The third and the fourth titles came in 1944 and 1957 respectively.
Beerschot A.C. are considered the club’s fiercest rivals, but they have a rivalry with Club Brugge as well. The club chiefs had a long-term partnership with famous English club Manchester United in the past, with Antwerp taking young footballers on loan to Old Trafford.