class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>With Grigoryan's men struggling for form, Al Hain-Cole is backing the Gers to bounce back from their Malmo defeat with a big Europa League victory

After failing to qualify for the Champions League, Rangers will be hoping to secure a place in the Europa League group stage when they welcome Alashkert to Ibrox on Thursday.

Steven Gerrard’s men were knocked out of the Champions League qualifiers in bitterly disappointing fashion, losing 2-1 away before throwing away a 1-0 lead in the second leg to lose 2-1 to 10-man Malmo.

Rangers vs Alashkert latest odds

However, Rangers are clear 1/8 (1.13) favourites with bet365 to take control of this tie by coming out on top in the first leg.

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Alashkert also dropped out of the Champions League qualifiers in the early qualifying rounds but are available at 16/1 (17.00) to move one step closer to their first group-stage appearance in this competition by pulling off a shock win in Glasgow.

The visitors beat Kairat after extra-time following two draws in the last round, and you can get odds of 7/1 (8.00) on them playing out a third successive stalemate in this competition.

TV channel, live stream & how to watch

UK TV channel Online stream

N/A Rangers TV

The game is not being shown live on TV in the United Kingdom (UK). Rangers TV will be streaming the game live online.

Rangers vs Alashkert team news

Glen Kamara and Kemar Roofe remain unavailable due to suspension, while Ryan Jack and Nnamdi Ofoborh remain injured, and Fashion Sakala will be assessed after missing the League Cup win over Dunfermline with a  groin strain.

Having rested a number of key players in Sunday’s league defeat to Van, Aleksandr Grigoryan will welcome the likes of Artak Grigoryan, David Khurtsidze and Jose Embalo back into the line-up.

Rangers vs Alashkert preview

After a run of three consecutive defeats, the Gers will have been delighted to stop the rot with a much-needed emphatic cup win over Dunfermline at the weekend.

They should be confident of getting another comfortable victory against Thursday’s visitors, who have gone six matches without a win in normal time in all competitions.

Knocked out of the Champions League qualifiers 4-1 on aggregate by Moldovan side Sheriff, the Armenian champions have also begun the defence of their title in uninspiring fashion – losing two games from two by a combined scoreline of 5-0.

Rangers vs Alashkert predictions

Having lost just two of their last 24 home games in the Europa League, a reinvigorated Rangers look well worth 6/5 (2.20) odds to beat an out-of-form Alashkert by at least three goals.

Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.