Rangers v Panathinaikos predicted by supercomputer in Champions League
Rangers travel to Panathinaikos on Wednesday for the second leg of their Champions League second round qualifier.
Russell Martin’s side overcame the Greek outfit 2-0 at Ibrox last week, courtesy of goals from Findlay Curtis and Djeidi Gassama.
Gassama impressed at Ibrox on his competitive debut, having come on as a late substitute, and will be pushing for a starting berth.
While they head into the Champions League clash on 30 July with a two-goal cushion, the Gers cannot afford to be complacent.
Rangers set to be tested by Panathinaikos in Champions League
Hamza Igamane and Thelo Aasgaard were both absent from the Bears’ latest training ahead of the crucial match.
Igamane came on as a substitute in the first leg, while Aasgaard was missing altogether through injury.
The injuries mean that Curtis could be given the nod again by Martin after his exploits in Glasgow.
| Findlay Curtis’ statistics against Panathinaikos last week | Total |
| Minutes | 75 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Shots on target | 1 |
| Shots blocked | 1 |
| Was fouled | 2 |
While the Scottish side hold the advantage, Martin will be telling his side that the job is not yet done.
Indeed, the Gers are the underdogs heading into the match, having been given a 34.1 per cent chance of victory by Opta’s supercomputer.
On the other hand, Panathinaikos have been given a 39.3 per cent chance of winning, while a draw is 26.6 per cent likely.
Martin to find out what his team are made of in Greece
While the Glasgow outfit will be confident of getting over the line, Martin will use the occasion to further assess his side.
There is nothing like the pressure of a European tie to test a team, and indeed the manager, who will not have experienced an occasion like it.
The Panathinaikos supporters will be loud and will try to make the atmosphere as hostile as possible for the Gers.
However, the Ibrox club will have their own set of supporters pitchside to cheer them on in Greece.
An early goal would be the ideal start for Rangers and would play a significant part in easing any pre-match nerves.
Whatever happens, Martin will learn heaps from his squad, which will in turn help him plan for the Scottish Premiership campaign.
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