The Europa League continues on Thursday, and the Scottish Giants Rangers are set to take on Romanian champion FCSB at home. Both teams are eager to secure crucial points in the group, making this encounter at Ibrox a must-watch for football fans. Let's delve into the details and predictions for this match now.
Contents
Rangers vs Steaua Bucharest prediction: Rangers to pick up critical win at home
Key stats
- Rangers have lost their last three home matches in UEFA competition
- FCSB are unbeaten in nine games across all competitions, winning seven
- FCSB have won both of their Europa League games so far
- Rangers have never lost four consecutive home matches in European competition
Correct score prediction: Rangers 2-1 Steaua Bucharest
Despite FCSB's strong form, Rangers' need for a positive result at home could be the deciding factor here. The Scottish side has struggled recently, sure, but their quality and the Ibrox atmosphere could propel them to cause an upset. That said, FCSB's attacking form suggests they'll likely find the net, but Rangers may have enough to outscore them – hence our 2-1 prediction.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Rangers favoured by bookies
- HOME: 4/9 (1.44) – 69.20%
- DRAW: 15/4 (4.75) – 21.10%
- AWAY: 6/1 (7.00) – 14.30%
Rangers might be 17th in the Europa League table, yet they are tipped to win this clash with a 69.20% chance. As for Steaua Bucharest, the bookies don’t exactly view them favourably, as confirmed by the 14.30% probability of victory for the visitors.
Make sure you visit our football betting tips page if you’d like to wager on more European action this week!
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Most recent H2Hs: An almost clean slate
These two clubs last met in the 1995 Champions League group stage, which was an encounter at Ibrox ending in a 1-1 draw. Of course, given that this game was so long ago, this result gives us little insight into the upcoming match.
Rangers preview: 17th place with 3 points from 2 games
Rangers enter this fixture following a ‘not so successful’ period, having lost two of their last three matches across all competitions. Their recent 1-0 defeat to Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership has intensified pressure on the manager, while it will have knocked the team’s confidence, too. Subsequently, the Light Blues are desperate to improve their European home form!
Predicted Lineup: Butland (GK); Tavernier, Souttar, Propper, Jefte; Diomande, Barron; Cerny, Lawrence, Bajrami; Dessers
Scotland Premiership 11/05/25
W
Aberdeen
0
Rangers
4
Scotland Premiership 04/05/25
D
Celtic
1
Rangers
1
Scotland Premiership 26/04/25
D
St Mirren
2
Rangers
2
UEFA Europa League 17/04/25
L
Athletic Bilbao
2
Rangers
0
Scotland Premiership 13/04/25
D
Aberdeen
2
Rangers
2
Steaua Bucharest preview: Flawless so far with 6 points
FCSB come to Ibrox in excellent form, unbeaten in their last nine games across all competitions. They've won both of their Europa League matches so far, too, including an impressive away victory against PAOK despite having 10 men. However, they'll be without captain Darius Olaru due to suspension, which could impact their midfield creativity.
Predicted Lineup: Tarnovanu (GK); Pantea, Chiriches, Dawa, Radunovic; Edjouma, Alhassan; Stefanescu, Phelipe, Miculescu; Birligea
Romania Liga I 11/05/25
W
Universitatea Cluj
0
FCSB
2
Romania Liga I 05/05/25
W
Dinamo Bucharest
1
FCSB
3
Romania Liga I 27/04/25
W
Rapid Bucuresti
1
FCSB
2
Romania Liga I 20/04/25
W
CFR Cluj
2
FCSB
3
Romania Liga I 13/04/25
D
CS U Craiova
0
FCSB
0
Player to watch – Cyriel Dessers (Rangers)
With Rangers struggling for goals recently, the pressure is on Cyriel Dessers to deliver. The Nigerian international has the opportunity to lead the line and potentially be the difference-maker for the Scottish side in this clash.
His ability to hold up play and finish in the box could be crucial against a Steaua Bucharest defence that has been solid in the Europa League so far.