Barry Ferguson predicts outcome of Rangers & Celtic’s Europa League encounters

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Both Rangers and Celtic will be hoping to start off their European group campaign in a strong fashion on Thursday night.

Barry Ferguson has backed Rangers to open their Europa League encounter with a win against Feyenoord, whilst he thinks Celtic will pick up a point in France.

The former Scotland midfielder warned Neil Lennon’s men that Rennes are a ‘decent team’, as he stated their ‘strength’ is proven by the fact that they are currently sitting second in Ligue 1.

Rennes are currently second in France’s top-flight. They are two points behind current champions Paris Saint-Germain, who they beat only last month.

Nonetheless, speaking to PLZ Soccer (18/09/2019), Ferguson shared his thoughts on Rangers and Celtic’s up and coming European ties.

“I think under the lights, back in Europe, full house, Rangers should have enough,” Ferguson told PLZ Soccer. “I don’t think Feyenoord are the same they have been for the past few years. But I’m backing Rangers to win.

On whether Lennon would be happy with a point: “Yes, they [Rennes] are a decent team. They have got some good players, Rennes, I think they’re sitting second top of the league. That shows you what kind of strength they have got.

“I watched Celtic two weeks ago in that Old Firm game, that was away from home, a massive game and if Celtic can produce that sort of performance, I think they can come back with a point, if not three points. I’ll go for a draw.”

Most if not all European ties on the road are tough and considering Rennes current form, a point for Celtic might not be a bad result.

But both Scottish teams will be looking to stamp their authority on the tournament as early as possible.

They will be backing themselves to qualify for the knockout stages, but the quicker they get the wins on the board, the better and easier it will get for them as the group stages enter its latter stages.

Nonetheless, at the weekend, Celtic will host Kilmarnock on home soil, whilst Steven Gerrard’s side will travel to St Johnstone – both games will take place on Sunday afternoon.