Fenerbahce vs Rangers predictions: Tough trip for troubled Gers
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- Fenerbahce are unbeaten in their last 18 matches
- Rangers have lost three of their last five games
- Recommended bet: Fenerbahce -1 on handicap
Rangers finished in the top eight in the league-phase standings of the new-look Europa League competition, but it has not really worked in their favour as they face a tough round-of-16 tie against Fenerbahce.
The Scottish side qualified automatically for this stage by finishing eighth, while the Turkish team only scraped into the play-off round in 24th place.
However, the middle of the table was extremely congested and both teams lost only two of their eight league-phase games, with Fenerbahce claiming four fewer points than Rangers after drawing half of their matches.
The Istanbul club made no mistake in the play-off round, though, beating Anderlecht (who had finished 10th) 3-0 at home before drawing 2-2 in Belgium to set up this clash.
Fenerbahce are second in the Turkish League, four points behind Galatasaray after a recent 0-0 draw with their rivals, and they followed that with a 3-0 victory over Antalyaspor on Sunday for their 11th win in 12 home league games this season.
Rangers are now under the control of interim manager Barry Ferguson after Philippe Clement was sacked two weeks ago.
The Gers are second in the Scottish Premiership but 16 points adrift of leaders Celtic and they have had some poor recent results, including a stunning home cup defeat by Championship side Queen's Park, another home reverse to St Mirren that led to Clement's departure and Saturday's 2-1 Ibrox loss against Motherwell.
Team news
Fenerbahce midfielder Fred and defender Bright Osayi-Samuel are suspended after picking up yellow cards against Anderlecht. Diego Carlos, Rodrigo Becao, Jayden Oosterwolde and Ismail Yuksek are injured and Burak Kapacak is not in the Europa League squad.
Oscar Cortes and Neraysho Kasanwirjo are long-term absentees due to injury for Rangers, but defender John Souttar could be available again after a groin problem.
Defender Leon King is in the Europa League squad but has gone out on loan to Queen's Park, while Rafael Fernandes is not in the squad.
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The stats
Fenerbahce have scored three or more goals in six successive home games.
Five of Fenerbahce's last six matches have had over 2.5 goals.
Fenerbahce won 2-1 at home when the teams met in the 2001 Champions League.
The Turkish side have triumphed in 11 of their 12 home league games this season.and they have won their last two matches by three-goal margins.
Both teams have scored in three of Rangers' last four matches.
There have been over 2.5 goals in 10 of Rangers' last 12 games.
Prediction
Rangers had some strong results in the league phase of this competition, including a 4-1 win in Nice, but they have to be opposed in their current situation and face a tough road trip to in-form Fenerbahce.
Despite their respective performances in the league phase, it is no surprise to see the Turkish team favoured in the market and they are worth backing to win by more than one goal.
Rangers clearly need some time to get back on the right track and Jose Mourinho is not likely to show any compassion for the visitors.
He will likely look to take the tie beyond Rangers with the support of a passionate home crowd and his team, featuring former Premier League performers such as Dusan Tadic and Edin Dzeko, should be up to delivering a first-leg victory by more than one goal.
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