Sports
Rangers vs Tottenham: Europa League Clash Amidst Injury Woes and Form Struggles
Tottenham Hotspur is set to face Rangers in a crucial Europa League match on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow. This encounter, often referred to as the ‘Battle of Britain,’ marks a significant test for both teams as they vie for a spot in the last 16 of the competition. Both Rangers and Tottenham are currently tied on 10 points, making this match pivotal for their European ambitions.
Tottenham, under the management of Ange Postecoglou, is struggling with a four-game winless streak across all competitions. The team has been plagued by injuries, with key players such as Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero, Ben Davies, Richarlison, and Wilson Odobert ruled out. Radu Dragusin and Archie Gray are expected to fill in the defensive gaps, while Rodrigo Bentancur, whose seven-game suspension only applies to domestic fixtures, will anchor the midfield.
Rangers, managed by Philippe Clement, are on a strong run, having gone unbeaten in eight matches. However, they also face some absences, with Neraysho Kasanwirjo out for the season, and Tom Lawrence and Oscar Cortes doubtful due to minor injuries. Danilo and Ianis Hagi are ineligible for the Europa League squad at this stage.
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting at 7pm GMT. For viewers in the United States, the game can be streamed on Paramount+ with a free trial available for new subscribers.
Given the current form and injury situations, Rangers are favored to win at home, where they have been performing well. However, Tottenham’s attacking prowess, despite their recent struggles, makes them a formidable opponent. The match is expected to be intense, with both teams needing a win to boost their chances in the competition.
The weather in Glasgow is expected to be cold and misty, with temperatures around zero degrees, adding to the challenging conditions for the players. The referee for the match will be Sandro Schärer of Switzerland, assisted by Stéphane De Almeida and Jonas Erni, with Lionel Tschudi as the fourth official.