44° PRONOSTICO UFFICIALE

Match Data: Scozia, Glasgow, Ibrox Park

Coppa Uefa- Ottavi di finale

RANGERS GLASGOW - OSASUNA

08.03.2007 at 21:05

Pronostico - Tip: 1 Rangers vincente

Fiducia - Stake: 6/10

Quota - Odd: @2,20 betway

Unità da giocare - Units to Bet: 5

Motivazioni: Un match non semplice da pronosticare, facciamo un tentativo e lasciamo le motivazioni, così come si trovano sul web, ad alcuni esperti del calcio d'oltre manica.

"Rangers are a strong home team, no matter whether they play in the domestic league or European cups. In the last home match in the UEFA cupa they demolished Hapoel Tel Aviv. We know it is not possible to compare Hapoel to Osasuna, but the result 4:0 sincerely has its value, as well as the fact Rangers won their UEFA group without a single defeat. Rangers are going to miss their first goalkeeper, who will be replaced by experienced Klos, so we don't think this should be a crucial missing. Osasuna, on the other hand, will miss two stikers - Savo Milosevic and Roberto Soldado.The form of Osasuna is rather poor. The team got too close to the relegation zone, staying just 5 points above the first relegation place. They lost last three matches without scoring a single goal. So the offensive power of Osasuna does not look very impressive. Another interesting fact is Osasuna did not sell tickets for this match, so there will be without any supporters at Ibrox.Rangers can fully focus on UEFA cup, as they are far behind their arch-rival Celtic. The main focus of Osasuna is probably the Spanish league - no wonder. We are just a bit afraid of the fact Rangers play Celtic this weekend.

With a massive 19 points separating Rangers from Celtic, we don't think they can be too bothered with this weekend's Old Firm derby. As such, their focus will be 100% on Thursday's UEFA Cup clash against a depleted & out-of-form Osasuna. Firstly, Rangers are strong at home. The European scene is no exception. They have won all of their 4 UEFA Cup home games this season, scoring 9 & conceding 0! In fact, they have not lost at home since 9 Dec 2003 – 8/4/0 (22-6) in their last 12 European home outings (9 UEFA Cup + 3 CL). Secondly, Walter Smith has overseen 9 competitive games since taking charge in early Jan 2007. He should be very settled by now. Moreover, this is his second spell at Ibrox. Smith lost his opening game in the Scottish FA Cup, but went 6/1/1 (18-4) since. Last but not least, the Scot will have a near-full squad minus the suspended goalie Allan McGregor. In steps the more experienced Stefan Klos.As for Osasuna, they are going through a torrid spell – 2/2/6 (4-12) in their last 10 league & cup games. Goals are a recent problem for the Pamplona side as they have hit just 1 in their last 6 outings. This goal-scoring drought is further compounded by the injury to their 3 leading scorers Roberto Soldado, Savo Milosevic & Valdo. Pierre Webo is their only seasoned striker available, so we can expect Osasuna to pack the defence/midfield in a ultra-conservative approach. Up to 8 changes (from 0-1 defeat at Racing) are expected as coach Jose Angel Ziganda continue his rotation policy. Also missing are midfielders Ludovic Delporte (LT injury) & Francisco Punal (suspension). Prediction: 2-0 / 1-0"

FrankBanfi