What the RB Leipzig vs Rangers pundits predict as Charlie Nicholas becomes surprise Europa League cheerleader

The pundits have had their say as Rangers prepare to face RB Leipzig in their Europa League first leg.

It's a mammoth task for Gio van Bronckhorst's men as they look to see off the Bundesliga's in-form side and reach the Seville showpiece.

Despite going into the clash as underdogs, Rangers have shown they are more than capable of taking on a club from Europe's big five leagues after their win over Borussia Dortmund.

However, not all the pundits see it that way.

Domenico Tedesco's side have a wealth of expensive talent at their disposal and have impressed in Germany this season, sitting fourth in the table and reaching the German Cup final.

It's a game that has gone everyone talking and Record Sport puts the hot takes in focus ahead of Thursday's clash.

Former England striker Michael Owen reckons the Premiership champions face a tough night at the RB Arena.

Owen told BetVictor : "Rangers have done brilliantly to get this far and will travel to Germany with some confidence. They beat Dortmund in Germany earlier this season, so they know they can get the job done.

"Leipzig have been in very good form both domestically and in Europe, this won’t be easy. Rangers will need to keep Nkunku quiet, he’s got 30 goals this season.

"I think Leipzig will win, but I can see Rangers getting a goal. I’m leaning towards a 2-1 Leipzig win."

Former Celtic star Charlie Nicholas surprisingly backed Gio van Bronckhorst to take a result back to Ibrox.

Writing in Express, Nicholas said: "I can see Rangers getting a draw with RB Leipzig in Thursday's Europa League semi-final first leg - and that should provide hope coming back from Germany.

"But the Ibrox return might be a game too far with Alfredo Morelos, Kemar Roofe and Aaron