Charlie Nicholas criticises Rangers’ discipline, predicts Villarreal result

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Rangers are in Europa League action on Thursday evening.

Pundit Charlie Nicholas has told Sky Sports that he thinks Rangers are ‘unconvincing’ – and is backing them to lose 2-0 at Villarreal on Thursday.

The Gers beat Dundee 4-0 in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday afternoon, but must now turn their attention to the Europa League tomorrow.

Steven Gerrard’s side take on Villarreal in their opening group stage game, having seen off Shkupi, Osijek, Maribor and Ufa over a lengthy qualifying campaign this summer.

Whilst Rangers will be looking to spring a surprise, they face a fairly daunting task against a Villarreal side who finished fifth in La Liga last season.

Javier Calleja’s side possess major quality from players such as Pablo Fornals, Carlos Bacca and ex-Arsenal ace Santi Cazarla, whilst Rangers are without a host of players.

Jon Flanagan and Alfredo Morelos are both out injured, whilst Gareth McAuley, Ryan Jack and Ovie Ejaria haven’t made the trip to Spain due to injury.

That leaves Gerrard with big selection decisions to make, and with many expecting Rangers to lose, pundit Charlie Nicholas has offered his view on the game.

Nicholas has told Sky Sports that he thinks Rangers are ‘unconvincing’, and believes Villarreal will win 2-0, adding that Gerrard faces problems with his Rangers side in terms of their discipline on the pitch.

“Rangers are unconvincing. At home they are definitely improving under Steven Gerrard,” said Nicholas. “A lot of people are unsure but I am convinced they are improving, it is just early stages for them. This competition was about getting in there and getting the money and their profile up.”

“Villarreal won at the weekend but have not started the season well. They have an intimidating little stadium, not hostile but an intimidating little pitch and it is different. They are very good technically, always have pace up front, and I think Rangers will struggle in this group, starting with a defeat. I am going Villarreal to win 2-0, high in discipline with Rangers struggling to sort theirs out at the moment, so 40+ Rangers booking points,” he added.