PSV Eindhoven vs Rangers Preview – Prediction, how to watch & line-ups

The stakes could not be higher as high-flying PSV Eindhoven host Rangers for an ultimate showdown after their enthralling first-leg 2-2 stalemate. 

Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s side pulled off a massive draw in a topsy-turvy encounter at Ibrox Stadium last week to keep this tie evenly poised ahead of Wednesday’s decider at the Philips Stadion. 

Despite taking the lead midway through the first half, PSV found themselves on the back foot coming into the final 15 minutes before Armando Obispo drew them level in the 78th minute.

Seeking their first appearance in the Champions League group stage since 2018/19, last season’s Eredivisie runners-up may feel the more confident of the two sides, knowing they have home comforts now.

However, Rangers are known for never giving up, with manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst looking to steer the Gers into the Champions League proper for the first time since 2010/11. 

Coming into their first visit to the Philips Stadion since the 2010/11 Europa League knock-outs, the Scottish giants carry the status of underdogs.

As witnessed by last season’s emphatic elimination of Bundesliga powerhouse Borussia Dortmund in the opening Europa League knock-out round, you can never write them off before the kick-off.

Match Preview

PSV Eindhoven

Van Nistelrooy has enjoyed a stellar start to his managerial tenure at PSV, with the Peasants racking up three wins and two draws from five competitive matches this term.

In addition to overcoming Monaco in the previous Champions League qualifying tie, they thumped arch-rivals Ajax 5-3 in a curtain-raising Dutch Super Cup clash in July. 

With their confidence sky-rocketing on the back of an impressive start to the season, PSV will be aiming to land their first victory over Rangers on home soil at the fourth time of asking (D1, L2).

Rangers 

Despite their unbeaten European record in Eindhoven, Rangers cannot take anything for granted after conceding precisely two goals in their last two competitive away games (D1, L1).

Ending a decade-long wait for Champions League football could be the only thing to settle the nerves in the Gers camp following last season’s heartbreaking runner-up finish in the Europa League.

Van Bronckhorst’s men demonstrated their fighting spirit in a tense 2-2 away draw at Hibernian over the weekend, holding their hosts winless despite being reduced to nine men. 

More of the same could be a recipe for success as Rangers hope to defy an underwhelming continental record away from Glasgow that’s seen them win just one of their last 11 European matches on hostile turf.

PSV Eindhoven vs Rangers Potential Line-ups

PSV Eindhoven (4-3-3): Walter Benitez, Jordan Teze, Andre Ramalho, Jarrad Branthwaite, Philipp Max, Ibrahim Sangare, Joey Veerman, Xavi Simons, Ismael Saibari, Luuk de Jong, Cody Gakpo

Rangers (4-3-3): Jon McLaughlin, James Tavernier, Leon King, James Sands, Borna Barisic, Glen Kamara, Steven Davis, John Lundstram, Antonio Colak, Fashion Sakala, Ryan Kent.

How to Watch?

PSV vs Rangers, alongside all other fixtures in Europe’s most prestigious club competition, is available to watch online via Champions League live streams.

PSV Eindhoven vs Rangers Prediction

Both sides have legitimate chances to find their way into the Champions League group phase through this tie, yet home comforts could sway things in PSV’s favour.

The Dutchmen’s late equaliser in Glasgow could make a world of difference as we expect the Peasants to progress from this exciting playoff contest.