***PreMatch Analysis*** Rangers versus Valencia

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Rangers versus Valencia at Estadio Mestalla, Valencia, Spain, on Tuesday November 2, 2010. Kick-off 7:45 pm.

This is Game #4 of the Group Stages of the Champions League. After playing 3 games we have 5 points and are in second place in the group. Manchester United are in the lead with 7 points, Valencia are in third place with 4 points and Bursaspor are in fourth place with 0 points.

If we are to have any chance of progressing we need to take at least 1 point from this game. If we do that then I feel we may qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League and at least entry into the last 32 of the Europa Cup.

There is a lot to play for. Nothing is certain. Manchester United play in Turkey and could conceivably lose. If that happens then Bursaspor have 3 points and have yet to play us in Turkey. If we were to lose in Valencia combined with a win for the Turks then all sorts of scenarios come into play.

Walter will play this game similar to the previous ones in the CL with 5 at the back and 4 in the middle and hope to hit teams on the break.

Edu and Weiss are doubtful due to injury and I believe Webster too may not be fit. Walter will go with experience and I think this will be the team: McGregor, Whittaker, Bougherra, Weir, Papac, Broadfoot, Naismith, Davis, McCulloch, Edu/Lafferty/Hutton, Miller. Hutton may possibly start, but I think it will be Lafferty if Edu is not fit. Edu will start if he is fit.

I am pessimistic about this game, especially after the Inverness result/game, when we never seemed to find any acceptable level of play and the whole team looked out of sorts. Valencia know that for them this is very important tie and they want to be above us in the group. They are a very talented team. Fast and technically excellent. They did not however create too many chances at Ibrox and were lucky to get a draw. They did however have plenty of the ball and looked very very good at times. My hope is that we get at least 1 point but my fear is that we will lose by at least 2 goals. I predict a score of Valencia 2-0 Rangers, but hope that I am very wrong.

It would also be good if Bursaspor take 1 point off Manchester United. If that happens and we can get something in Valencia it would give our chances of progressing to the last 16 a little boost.

So all to play for on Tuesday night and let's hope Rangers get the best result of all and a marvellous 3 points.