Rangers will look to put a disappointing weekend behind them when they take on Viktoria Plzen in the first leg of their third-round Champions League qualifier this week.
The Scottish giants are set to take on the Czech side at Ibrox on Tuesday, 5 August, with both teams looking to take an advantage with them into the second leg next week.
As part of this week's round of Champions League betting tips, check out our Rangers vs Viktoria Plzen prediction below.
Contents
Rangers vs Viktoria Plzen prediction: A high-scoring affair in Glasgow
Key stats
- Viktoria Plzen have scored eight goals across their last two away matches.
- Rangers have scored two or more goals in five of their last six European qualifiers.
- Rangers' last three matches have all finished as draws.
Correct score prediction: Rangers 2-2 Viktoria Plzen
This is an enthralling clash between a side that are usually dependable at home in European qualifiers against a team that is currently playing their best football away from home. Goals should go in at both ends in what promises to be an exciting match of football for the neutral.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Rangers are narrow favourites
- HOME: 4/5 (1.80) – 55.6%
- DRAW: 27/10 (3.70) – 27%
- AWAY: 16/5 (4.20) – 23.8%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Rangers vs Viktoria Plzen odds have given the edge to the home side, which isn't a huge shock given they do usually perform a lot better on home soil in Europe. Ladbrokes has given Rangers a 55.6% chance of winning the match, while Viktoria Plzen have been given just a 23.8% chance of picking up the win.
Don’t forget to check out more of our best betting tips and predictions after you’ve dissected our Rangers vs Viktoria Plzen prediction.
Most recent H2Hs: A first-ever meeting
This will be the first time that Rangers and Viktoria Plzen have ever played against each other, which adds an extra layer of mystery to the fixture.
Rangers preview: Pressure on after Martin's outburst
Russell Martin didn't pull any punches at the weekend following the club's draw with Motherwell, and it will be interesting to see how his squad responds to his comments on Tuesday night. Cyriel Dessers was singled out for praise so he could start the match, but Thelo Aasgaard and Hamza Igamane are both expected to miss out through injuries.
Predicted lineup: Butland (GK), Tavernier, Djiga, Souttar, Aarons, Rothwell, Cameron, Raskin, Gassama, Dessers, Dowell
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
Viktoria Plzen preview: A key player is on the naughty step
Viktoria Plzen will have to play the match on Tuesday night without one of their best players, as Adrian Zeljkovic is serving a one-match suspension after being red-carded against Servette in the previous round. Other than that, the visitors should be nice and fresh after being given the weekend off to prepare for this fixture.
Predicted lineup: Wiegle (GK), Dweh, Markovic, Jemelka, Havel, Ladra, Cerv, Spacil, Durosinmi, Visinsky, Vydra
Czechia First League 11/05/25
L
Banik Ostrava
2
Viktoria Plzen
1
Czechia First League 03/05/25
L
Slavia Prague
4
Viktoria Plzen
3
Czechia First League 27/04/25
W
Sparta Prague
0
Viktoria Plzen
2
Czechia Cup 23/04/25
L
Sparta Prague
1
Viktoria Plzen
0
Czechia First League 19/04/25
W
Dukla Praha
2
Viktoria Plzen
4
Player to watch: Cyriel Dessers

Cyriel Dessers may well be on his way out of Rangers, but this has been on the cards since January, and yet he is still firmly a Gers player. Based on his manager's comments at the weekend, it now wouldn't surprise anyone if he remains at Ibrox for the season ahead. Dessers still has plenty to offer, too, after scoring 28 goals in all competitions last season.