Malmo vs Rangers: Europa League Match Preview, livescore, predictions, predicted lineup, betting tips, odds and live stream

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Swedish champions Malmo FF will face Scottish giants Rangers at the Eleda Stadion as both teams begin their 2024/25 Europa League group stage campaigns. With Malmo cruising in their domestic league and Rangers looking to regain form after a mixed start to the season , this match promises to be an intriguing contest between two storied clubs.

Both Malmo and Rangers find themselves in the Europa League after disappointing exits in the Champions League qualifiers. While Malmo has bounced back impressively in the Allsvenskan , Rangers have had a rocky start in the Scottish Premiership , leaving manager Philippe Clement under pressure to deliver on the European stage.

Malmo has been nearly flawless in the Allsvenskan since their European exit , keeping four consecutive clean sheets and dominating opponents like Djurgarden and Hacken. With an 11-point lead in the league and six games to play , coach Henrik Rydstrom can now afford to shift focus towards making a deep Europa League run. Malmo's European record has been shaky , but facing Rangers , a familiar opponent , gives them a strong chance to build momentum early in the group stage.

For Rangers , the story is different. A 3-0 Old Firm derby defeat to Celtic , paired with a contentious elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Dynamo Kiev , has put a dent in their confidence. Despite a comfortable 3-0 cup victory over Dundee , the Gers are still looking to find consistency , especially away from home , where they have struggled with only three wins in seven months. Nonetheless , the Europa League has been a fruitful competition for them in the past , and they will hope to start strong against Malmo.

 Team News:

Malmo: 

Malmo will be without key players Sead Haksabanovic (groin) , Oscar Lewicki , and Niklas Moisander (both recovering from knee surgeries). Teenage defender Nils Zatterstrom is expected to return to the lineup after being rested in the last league match , while veteran Soren Rieks should start after also being held back for this fixture. Coach Rydstrom has been rotating his goalkeepers with success , but Johan Dahlin is expected to start here.

Rangers: 

Rangers will be without attacking duo Danilo and Rabbi Matondo due to injuries , and Turkish full-back Ridvan Yilmaz is also sidelined with a thigh problem. However , Cyriel Dessers , in excellent form , will lead the line for Rangers , supported by Nedim Bajrami , who impressed on his full debut last weekend. Captain James Tavernier is just one goal away from equaling Ally McCoist’s European goal tally for the club and will be a threat from set pieces.

 Key Players:

Malmo:

Erling Braut Botheim – Malmo FF 

Botheim is a striker who thrives in high-pressure situations and European competitions. The Norwegian forward has a sharp instinct for goal and can change the course of a match in an instant. Known for his intelligent positioning and movement , Botheim often drifts into dangerous areas where defenders struggle to mark him. His physical presence also allows him to hold up the ball well , bringing his teammates into play. In this match against Rangers , his clinical finishing will be key if Malmo hopes to break down the Scottish side’s defense.

 Isaac Kiese Thelin – Malmo FF 

Thelin is another crucial piece of Malmo's attacking puzzle. With his excellent heading ability and aerial prowess , he is a constant threat in the box , particularly from set pieces and crosses. He has a knack for getting into scoring positions and has been instrumental in Malmo’s domestic success. His combination play with Botheim up front will be pivotal , and his physicality could cause significant problems for Rangers’ backline , especially on counter-attacks.

 Rangers:

 Nedim Bajrami – Rangers 

The Albanian attacking midfielder is a recent acquisition from Sassuolo , and his creative spark could be crucial for Rangers. Bajrami is known for his vision , quick feet , and ability to pick out key passes in tight spaces. He can operate in the No. 10 role , pulling the strings behind the striker , or drift wide to deliver dangerous crosses into the box. His technical ability and composure on the ball make him a potent playmaker , and Rangers will rely on him to unlock Malmo’s defense and provide crucial service to Cyriel Dessers.

 Cyriel Dessers – Rangers 

Nigerian forward Cyriel Dessers has been in prolific form , scoring seven goals in nine appearances this season. His sharp finishing , combined with his ability to find space behind defenders , makes him a lethal threat in front of goal. Dessers’ pace and movement allow him to get into scoring positions quickly , and he will be expected to lead the line for Rangers. Given Malmo’s disciplined defense , Dessers’ ability to capitalize on even the slightest lapse in concentration will be vital for the Scottish side.

  Predicted Lineups:

 Malmo (4-4-2): 

Dahlin , Stryger Larsen , Jansson , Rosler , Busanello , Rieks , Pena , Berg Johnsen , Christiansen , Botheim , Kiese Thelin

 Rangers (4-2-3-1): 

Butland , Tavernier , Souttar , Propper , Sterling , Barron , Diomande , Bajrami , Lawrence , McCausland , Dessers

 Prediction: 

Malmo’s strong home form and Rangers' inconsistency on the road suggest a tight encounter. While Rangers have the quality to challenge Malmo , their poor record in Sweden and shaky away performances make it difficult to see them leaving with all three points. With both teams possessing potent attacking threats , a draw seems the most likely outcome in this Europa League opener.