Europa League Final tips: why neutral venue could help Frankfurt overcome Rangers

No Ibrox factor for Rangers this time

Anyone who doubts the positive impact a partisan home crowd can make has not watched Rangers play a European tie at Ibrox. The febrile atmosphere in Glasgow helped Gio van Bronckhorst’s side overturn first-leg deficits against Braga and RB Leipzig in the quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively. Had their knockout round matches been played behind closed doors, Rangers would probably not be in the final.

That is not to diminish this team’s achievements, but it will be difficult for Rangers to replicate the energy and intensity they play with on home turf at a neutral ground. Eintracht Frankfurt, who have knocked out Real Betis, Barcelona and West Ham in an impressive run to the Sevilla showpiece, might be better suited to such an occasion.

Frankfurt’s recent form in the Bundesliga has been mediocre at best, but that is in large part because they have long since placed all their eggs in the Europa League basket. Oliver Glasner’s side, priced at 2.42 to win the final within 90 minutes, possess plenty of firepower and that could swing the balance in their favour.

After so much success at Ibrox in the Europa League knockout rounds this season, Rangers could find a neutral stadium a tougher task

Tactics and tension could bring tight first half

Neither of the finalists has been a possession-based team in this competition. Of the 40 teams that have participated in the knockout stage (including the playoffs), Frankfurt and Rangers rank 24th and 28th respectively for possession.

The Scottish side are obliged to be more proactive domestically, but in Europe they have tended to favour a contain-and-counter approach. Frankfurt, meanwhile, have shown themselves to be adept at mounting quick breaks forward.

That could result in a tight first half, with both teams wary of the opposition’s ability to do damage in transition. That will only be exacerbated by the high stakes involved, with Frankfurt and Rangers both keen to avoid mistakes in the early part of the game. With that in mind, a goalless opening 45 minutes is worth your attention at 2.86.

Kamada has shone in this competition

Frankfurt’s top scorer in this competition is not Rafael Borre, the central striker, but Daichi Kamada, who tends to operate as a left-sided forward. The Japan international has found the back of the net five times in his team’s continental campaign, including winning goals in the away legs against Real Betis in the round of 16 and West Ham in the semi-finals.

James Tavenier is a key attacking outlet for Rangers, and there could be space in behind the right-back for Kamada to exploit. A lively player who is adept with both feet, the 25-year-old is a good choice in the anytime scorer market at 4.6.

Recommended bets

Frankfurt @ 2.42

0-0 half-time @ 2.86

Kamada anytime @ 4.6