When to place bets: by 6pm Tuesday
Best bets
– Djeidi Gassama to score at any time vs Viktoria Plzen — 1pt, 9/2 (bet365)
– Benfica win to nil vs Nice — 1pt, 2/1 (bet365)
Rangers look to finish the job in Plzen
Russell Martin’s Rangers have shown a clear contrast between their domestic and European form so far this season. In the Scottish Premiership the side has dominated possession but struggled to turn control into wins, drawing with Motherwell and Dundee. In Champions League qualifying, however, Rangers have been effective — defeating Panathinaikos 3-1 on aggregate and winning the first leg against Viktoria Plzen 3-0 at Ibrox.
A 3-0 lead would normally invite rotation, but Martin is unlikely to rest too many of his key players as he tries to maintain momentum and keep pressure on Celtic domestically. Djeidi Gassama looks especially nailed on to start: the French winger scored seven times in 37 Championship appearances for Sheffield Wednesday last season and has continued his scoring form in Europe, netting in each Champions League outing for Rangers and grabbing a brace in the first leg against Plzen. Plzen’s defensive form is a concern — they have gone ten matches without a clean sheet — which makes Gassama a tempting anytime scorer at generous odds.
Why this pick: Rangers’ recent European displays and Gassama’s scoring streak combined with Plzen’s porous defence make an anytime scorer selection logical. If Rangers field a strong XI, Gassama should have opportunities.
Benfica expected to close out the tie with a clean sheet
Benfica carry positive momentum into the return leg after a strong showing at the Club World Cup and domestic silverware earlier in the season. They beat Sporting 1-0 in the Portuguese Super Cup and took a 2-0 advantage at Nice in the first leg of Champions League qualifying, limiting the French side to just two shots on target at the Allianz Riviera.
Bruno Lage’s second spell in charge has been impressive: 40 wins and only 10 defeats since his reappointment in September, with just 55 goals conceded in that period. Benfica have kept clean sheets in each of their last four wins and were able to shut out Bayern Munich in a notable 1-0 result. Given Nice’s need to chase a two-goal deficit and Benfica’s recent defensive consistency, a Benfica win to nil is a solid pick.
Why this pick: Benfica’s form and defensive solidity suggest they can protect their first-leg cushion at home. Nice’s limited threat in the first leg supports the likelihood of Benfica keeping a clean sheet.
Additional context and tips
– Team news and lineups can change late; check for confirmed starting XIs and any injury updates before betting.
– Weather, travel and fixture congestion (especially midweek matches) can influence rotation decisions — keep an eye on those factors for both ties.
– If staking, follow sensible bankroll management. The selections above are advised as single 1pt stakes; adjust according to your own staking plan and risk tolerance.
– Consider in-play markets if a team needs to chase the tie — live odds will shift and can offer value, but live betting carries higher risk.
Short summary
Rangers travel to Plzen holding a 3-0 lead and are likely to include key players such as Djeidi Gassama, who has scored in every Champions League appearance for Rangers and looks well placed to add to his tally against a defence that has failed to keep a clean sheet in recent matches. Benfica, buoyed by recent domestic and international form and a strong defensive record under Bruno Lage, look capable of preserving their 2-0 first-leg lead over Nice and keeping a clean sheet in Lisbon.
Hopeful angle
Both ties offer positives for the teams in front: Rangers’ European form provides momentum that can boost league confidence, while Benfica’s recent defensive consistency hints at a foundation for further domestic and continental success. For fans, these matches present opportunities to see in-form attackers and disciplined defensive performances that could shape the season ahead.
Editorial note
This piece contains betting tips. Please gamble responsibly and only wager what you can afford to lose. Check official team announcements and match-day conditions before placing a bet.