The UEFA Europa League starts this week and brings up this intriguing tie between Rangers and Genk, with both teams in desperate need of a win.
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Rangers start their UEFA Europa League campaign against Genk at Ibrox, with manager Russell Martin’s job hanging in the balance. Rangers fans are far from happy with Martin and staged a mass protest before their weekend League Cup tie against Hibernian. Luckily for Martin, Rangers won that game, ending a five-match winless run; however, many fans still believe the end is near for his tenure.
Genk are also a team in dire form. Two wins from eight league games has left them in the relegation zone and struggling. After losing their most recent match on the weekend against Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, Genk enters this match without any momentum.
With two teams who are desperately in need of a win, this could be an entertaining match that has more than just three points in the Europa League on the line.
Rangers vs Genk key information
• Date: Thursday, September 25
• Kick-off time: 8pm BST
• Venue: Ibrox, Glasgow
• Referee: Matej Jug
• VAR: Alen Borošak
• TV channels: TNT Sports (UK)
• Odds: RAN (29/10) - DRAW (5/2) - GNK (7/4)
Rangers team news
Rangers head into their first Europa League game of the year with an absentee list that consists of Kieran Dowell, Rabbi Matondo and Joe Rothwell. Former Everton and Norwich City midfielder Dowell had a serious foot injury and suffered a setback with a knock after his recovery. Matondo was injured when he returned to the team from his loan at Hannover 96, but has hinted that he is ready to be back on social media. Rothwell missed the last game with an injury, so it is yet to be seen if he will return for the arrival of Genk. Max Aarons will be unavailable as he is suspended after he was sent off in the Champions League qualifier against Brugge. Lyall Cameron also remains a doubt for the game.
Rangers predicted lineup vs Genk, (4-2-3-1)
Coach: Russel Martin
Butland: Tavernier, Souttar, Cornelius, Meghoma; Raskin, Diomande; Moore, Aasgaard, Gassama; Miovski.
Genk team news
Genk only have two injury worries ahead of their trip to Glasgow. Nigerian winger Yira Sor has been sidelined for three games after suffering a knock. It is yet to be seen whether he will be available for this game against Rangers. The other concern for the Belgian outfit is Daan Heymans. The midfielder has missed the last eight games with an ankle injury and remains sidelined.
Genk predicted lineup vs Rangers, (4-2-3-1)
Coach: Thorsten Fink
Lawal; Kayembe, Smets, Sadick, El Ouhadi; Heynen, Sattlberger; Ito, Hrosovsky, Steukers; Erabi.
Where to watch on TV or live stream?
You can watch this Europa League tie live on TNT Sports 2 in the UK. TNT Sports is available to watch with a subscription to Discovery+, which can be streamed on the website or app, on your smart TV, through your console or through some TV providers.
Head-to-Head record
Rangers' win against Hibernian on the weekend was their first win in five matches and the first time they had scored for three. They still sit 11th in the Scottish Premier League with four draws and one loss, so they are hoping to turn their form around with a win in the Europa League.
Genk are coming into this match on the back of two losses in a row, and have not won for three games. Sitting 14th in the Belgian League, Genk are very much in the same boat as Rangers.
Whilst this will be the first ever meeting between the sides, Rangers have already played against a Belgian side this season, suffering a humiliating 9-1 aggregate loss to Club Brugge in the Champions League qualifying rounds. For Genk, this will be the first time they have ever played Scottish opposition in any competition.
Odds for Rangers vs Genk
The bookmakers have Genk as favourites to win this tie. Bet365 have the Belgian’s at 7/4, whereas they have Rangers at 29/10. A draw between the two is set at 5/2.
Odds correct at time of writing, subject to chage.