Malmo v Rangers betting tips: Gerrard’s men facing big test

Steven Gerrard’s side ended their pre-season in impressive fashion, coming from behind to beat Real Madrid 2-1 in their final friendly, and then beat Livingston 3-0 on Saturday in their Scottish Premiership opener.

Rangers have an unblemished 11-0 record in European qualification since Gerrard took over and they are 200/1 in the Champions League winner odds.

Malmo v Rangers head-to-head

The last time Rangers made the qualifying rounds of Europe’s premier club competition was in 2011, when they were dumped out by Malmo. In a bad-tempered affair, the Gers were left with nine men as they drew the away leg having lost 1-0 at Ibrox.

Nikica Jelavic’s goal had levelled the second leg in the 23rd minute, but red cards for Steven Whittaker and Madjid Bougherra hit Ally McCoist’s side.

The Swedes were reduced to 10 men when Ferreira Ricardinho saw red, but an 80th-minute goal from Jiloan Hamad put the tie out of reach for Rangers.

Looking at the Malmo v Rangers odds, it is 5/1 that the first leg ends in a 1-1 draw again while another  draw is available at 11/5.

Malmo v Rangers team news

Jon Dahl Tomasson’s Malmo, who are unbeaten in their last six in all competitions, have a full-strength squad for the first leg clash. They are 5/1 to win to nil.

Gerrard, who saw his side beaten by Tranmere, draw with Arsenal and Brighton, and beat Real Madrid in pre-season, similarly has no major injury concerns and Rangers are 5/2 to win to nil.

Malmo v Rangers key battles

Rangers will need to shut down Croatian striker Antonio Colak, whose goals have helped Malmo sit just one point behind the leaders in Sweden.

Captain Anders Christiansen has returned in peak form having played a crucial part in Denmark’s run to the last four of the European Championship.

His manager, a renowned former Danish international himself, has built a side full of goals and Gerrard’s men will have to cope with Malmo’s front-foot style.

Rangers are 15/2 to win 2-1 and it is 4/5 that both sides score in the first leg.

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All odds and markets correct as of date of publication