Porto will take on Rangers on Thursday, 29 January, as the Europa League league phase draws to a close for another season.
The hosts need a win to give themselves a chance of qualifying directly to the Round of 16. Anything less, and they will be forced into a playoff match next month.
Rangers, on the other hand, have nothing to play for after being mathematically eliminated last week.
As part of this week's round of Europa League betting tips, check out our Porto vs Rangers prediction below.
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Porto vs Rangers prediction: The visitors to put up a fight
Key Stats
- Rangers have won their last eight matches in all competitions.
- Rangers haven't lost a match by two goals or more since the beginning of November.
- Both teams have scored in four of Porto's last six European matches.
Correct score prediction: Porto 2-1 Rangers
Although Rangers have nothing to play for, a hammering in Portugal could knock their confidence after a brilliant run of form. We expect them to put up a fight in Porto on Thursday, before ultimately coming up short.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Rangers are major underdogs
- HOME: 2/7 (1.29) – 77.8%
- DRAW: 19/4 (5.75) 17.4%
- AWAY: 9/1 (10.00) – 10%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Porto vs Rangers odds illustrate just how big of a mountain the visitors have to climb on Thursday night. Ladbrokes have given Porto a 77.8% chance of winning the match, while Rangers have been given just a 10% chance of victory.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Advantage Rangers
Despite being the rank outsiders on Thursday night, Rangers boast an impressive record against Porto. Gers are unbeaten in four previous meetings with the Portuguese giants, with two wins and two draws.
Porto preview: No Silva
Thiago Silva made a sensational return to Porto last month, but he will be unable to play any part here as he is currently not part of the club's Europa League squad. In terms of injuries, Nehuen Perez and Tomas Perez are both out, and Luuk de Jong is considered a doubt.
Predicted lineup: Costa (GK), Costa, Bednarek, Kiwior, Fernandez, Rosario, Froholdt, Mora, Gomes, Sainz, Aghehowa
Last five results
- Porto 3-0 Gil Vicente
- Plzen 1-1 Porto
- Guimaraes 0-1 Porto
- Porto 1-0 Benfica
- Sanata Clara 0-1 Porto
Rangers preview: Rohl to rotate?
With qualification gone, Danny Rohl may feel that fielding certain players is a pointless exercise, particularly now that his side are firmly back in the Scottish title race. Some decisions are out if his hands, with Derek Cornelius, Connor Barron and Bailey Rice injured and Tuur Rommens, Tuchi Chukwuani and Andreas Skov Olsen ineligible.
Predicted lineup: Butland (GK), Aarons, Fernandez, Djiga, Meghoma, Raskin, Diomande, Aasgaard, Gassama, Moore, Miovski
Last five results
- Rangers 3-0 Dundee FC
- Rangers 1-0 Ludogorets
- Rangers 5-0 Annan
- Aberdeen 0-2 Rangers
- Rangers 2-0 Aberdeen
Player to watch: Samu Aghehowa
There is little doubt around who is the most likely man to get on the scoresheet on Thursday night, and that is Samu Aghehowa. The former Atletico Madrid man is expected to be hot property this summer and is on course to once again break the 25-goal barrier across all competitions.