Match Previews: Group G
Fabiano has already opened his European account.
Rangers vs Sevilla FC
If Rangers want to make a run in this years Champions League they have to find a way to win at the Ibrox. They are going to be hard pressed though when Sevilla visit tomorrow. Sevilla have been on form and are third in La Liga. They are finding goals from a number of sources and it will be up to the Rangers’ defensive line to keep them out.
Rangers have had league trouble lately and have only managed 0-0 stalemates in their last three matches. This is not acceptable for the Scottish champions but a good performance against the boys from Seville might help their fans forget the last few weeks.
We all know they can do it. It was only a few years ago that Walter Smith’s side defended Barcelona into the ground so with the right tactics the same could be done against Sevilla.
Sevilla’s Player to Watch:
With four players having scored two goals this season already Sevilla has more than one scoring threat. Luis Fabiano has brought his scoring touch with him from International duty with Brasil in the summer and has already opened his account in the Champions League.
Ranger’s Player to Watch:
If Rangers want to finally score they need their star, Kris Boyd to bring his domestic form into Europe. He has three goals in the Scottish Premier League and he is key for the Gers if they want to have a chance of winning tomorrow.
Match Prediction:
I predict a 2-0 win for Sevilla. They are looking really good so far this year and might even be a dark horse to make it deep into the Champions League.
Sevilla Scorers:
Fabiano
Negredo
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Unirea Urziceni vs VfB Stuttgart
German side Stuttgart travel to Bucharest tomorrow looking for a win after a 1-1 draw in their game against Rangers to start their Champions League campaign. It should be an easy game for Stuttgart but you can never be sure in European football; especially because the home supporters will make a hostile environment for the Germans on Tuesday.
Stuttgart won only their second in seven games over the weekend and sits in eleventh place in the Bundeliga and will be hoping to continue their form. They will have to do so without Hleb who is injured but they still have the class to gain three points.
Stuttgart’s Player to Watch:
Russian signing Pavel Pogrebnyak has had a respectable start with his new club but as Mario Gomez’s replacement a lot more is still expected of him.
Unirea’s Player to Watch:
Goalkeeper Giedrius Arlauskis was not able to keep Sevilla at bay but he may put a dent in Stuttgart. He may have to keep a clean sheet as Unirea did not look interested in scoring in their first foray into the Champions League.
Match Prediction:
This is a tough one to call but I will say a 0-0 result. Stuttgart just does not have enough attacking talent and I am sure Unirea will play for a draw.
Play Beautiful!
