Panathinaikos vs Rangers: Back the Gers for Champions League success in Greece

Rangers state of play

Rangers were made to work against Panathinaikos in Russell Martin’s first competitive game in charge last week. The Greek side started off well and should have opened the scoring, but the Light Blues enjoyed a much better second half.

Goals from Findlay Curtis and Djeidi Gassama sealed a 2-0 victory ahead of the second leg on Wednesday. Martin is still trying to get more signings through the doors, with Mikey Moore and Oliver Antman looking likely to move to Ibrox in the coming days.

Panathinaikos state of play

The Greek side started the first leg off well, but when Georgios Vagiannidis was sent off minutes into the second half, Panathinaikos succumbed to Rangers.

He will be suspended for the second leg of course, weakening the club as they attempt to overcome a two-goal deficit at home.

Panathinaikos will need to start the return leg in a similarly positive fashion to the Ibrox tie to stand a chance of securing a place in the third qualifying round.

Key talking point: Expect Rangers to get the job done in Athens

Martin’s side hold a significant advantage heading into Wednesday’s clash, especially after keeping an all important clean sheet in the first leg.

Even after just one match, it is clear that the new manager is trying to develop a style of play which will see Rangers dominate possession yet provide a key attacking threat in the final third.

Gassama looks like he could be an excellent signing for the Scottish club, taking his goal well in the first leg and this will likely earn him a start on Wednesday.

Rangers were fortunate that they didn’t concede last week. But given the hostile atmosphere expected in Athens, combined with the fact that the club have conceded in both previous visits to the city against Panathinaikos, the defence will be seriously tested.

Martin might freshen things up for the match, especially if Hamza Igamane is fit. 

Focus will be on the defence, however as the backline must remain resolute in Greece.

FIRST’s top tip for Panathinaikos vs Rangers

Both teams to score – 3/4 (Ladbrokes)

Extra tips

Not many players have stolen the show on their Ibrox debut quite like Gassama last week. Big things were expected of the winger once he signed from Sheffield Wednesday for a fee of £2.2m

After a nice team move, Gassama received the ball on the left flank before cutting inside wonderfully to unleash a stunner into the back of the net.

He will be filled with confidence and expect him to get in on the act again.

Djeidi Gassama to score anytime – 9/2 (Ladbrokes)

Despite holding a two-goal advantage, things will be cagey in Athens as Martin will look to take his team through to the next round.

Historically, Rangers have either won or drawn three of their four matches against Panathinaikos and with plenty at stake, expect the Light Blues to produce a professional display.

Draw or Rangers – Evens (Betway)

Last week, their were just nine corners during the game, despite both teams showing plenty of attacking intent throughout the match.

The second leg will prove to be a far more tense affair, which could see Martin’s men retain possession rather than constantly going on the assault.

Under 11.5 corners – 12/25 (BetMGM)

Team news

Rangers could still be missing new signing Thelo Asgaard depending on his fitness. Elsewhere, Ridvan Yilmaz and Rabbi Matondo are still injured, while Dujon Sterling is the only long-term absentee for the away side.

As mentioned, the Greek side will be without defender Vagiannidis due to suspension. Injury wise, Greek midfielder Manolis Siopis will miss the game due to a back injury.

Panathinaikos vs Rangers predicted lineups

Rangers: Butland; Tavernier, Souttar, Djiga; Aarons; Raskin, Diomande, Rothwell; Gassama, Danilo, Curtis (4-3-3)

Panathinaikos: Dragowski; Kotsiras, Palmer-Brown, Touba, Kyriakopoulos; Chirivella, Maksimovic; Pellistri, Bakasetas,Duricic; Ioannidis (4-2-3-1)

Form guide (all competitions) 

Rangers: DWDDWWDDLD

Panathinaikos: LWLDWLWLWW

Responsible gambling with FIRST

You must be 18+ to gamble. Gambling is a form of entertainment, not a way to make money. Our tips and advice help you enjoy gambling, but there is always a chance a bet or casino game can lose.

Never bet more than you can afford to lose. Stop betting if you are angry, emotional or under the influence of alcohol.

Warning signs of problem gambling: chasing losses, betting money needed for bills, or feeling unable to stop.

Need help? Visit our responsible sports betting page or our responsible casino gambling page, or contact the support organisations listed below if you're struggling to control your gambling:

Gamblers Anonymous UK

BeGambleAware

GAMSTOP

National Gambling Support Network

Gamcare

NHS National Gambling Clinic

Odds correct at the time of writing.