Rangers Fc – Racing Genk 25-09-2025

For every league, and every tournament, that starts, we get closer to the tournament I like the most; namely the Conference League. But it doesn't hurt to kill the wait with a little Europa League. And here I mean we have 90 minutes of good entertainment in store. At surprisingly good odds.

Rangers FC – Russel Martin in deep water

Or; it could end as early as the weekend. Because even though the American owners have come out with full confidence in Russel Martin, I doubt he will stay if they crash out of the cup against Hibernian. And if they do, and Martin has to pack up his office, then I would disregard this analysis. But we are assuming that the old Norwich full-back will stay. Because he is absolutely crucial to our betting proposal.

Although we met Martin both through FM and through the TV route, it was as a coach that he first became interesting. At least for me. And I can date when my fascination with Martin began; 28.02.2024. As coach of Southampton, in the Championship, they were to measure strength with Liverpool, at Anfield, in the FA Cup. Perhaps the most fearsome place you can visit. And definitely a place where you put your own tactics against the opponent's strengths and weaknesses.

But Russel Martin doesn't do that. His blind faith in triangles, high risks, playing off pressure and letting the ball go along the ground blew me off my chair. Little Southampton came to Anfield and played wall games in their own 16-meter box. Talk about an indomitable faith in their own tactics. But it went as it had to go. Both with Southampton at Anfield, and Southampton in the Premier League the following year. The goals came in, the team was relegated and Russel Martin had to leave the south coast.

And now he's at it again. Same tactics. Same result. Because with 0-4-1 the season is all but decided, in Celtic's favor. A gap of 9 points after five games is not going to mess them up in a league so dominated by the two big ones, and the planned demonstration against both Martin and the club's CEO will be carried out with unabated force. The knife is dangerously close to the throat.

And in such hectic times it is smart to relax, and this week Rangers have been on a team-building trip to Loch Lomond. Of course, the trip was planned for a long time, and at the press conference he denied that it had anything to do with the poor results. He did. But the trip had been nice, they had gone for walks in the forest, swam and ate together. So it remains to be seen whether it will result in better results. Because here it is win or lose for Russel Martin.

Racing Genk – seeking success abroad

Although Genk have won the top division four times, most recently in the 2018/2019 season, they are small boys compared to Anderlecht, Club Brugge, Union Saint-Gilloise and Standard Liege. But last year's third place gave them the opportunity to compete at the second highest level in Europe, and they plan to take that chance. Because with 10th place after 7 league rounds, it does not seem like they will be able to recreate the success on home soil.

In addition, they will have to do without Tolu Arokodare. The striker, who came from Amiens SC in 2023, has been outstanding in the blue jersey, and was also named best African player in the Jupiler Pro League last year. Unfortunately, he just left for Wolverhampton, and there is therefore tension with the youngster Jusef Erabi. He recently came from Swedish Hammarby, and it is not impossible that we will get to know him already in this match.

But until the young Swedish-Afghan gets warm in the shirt, they fortunately have others who can contribute. And in fact, right-back/right winger El Ouahdi is the league's top scorer, and Genk has 9 goals in 7 games. Not bad at all considering they are in the bottom half. And they will probably continue to do so if they do not improve their average of 1.43 goals conceded per game.

Conclusion – two teams that should believe in victory

Here Rangers will probably see a team out of form, and they will go for victory. Anything else will surprise me. They have to, after all, all the time the coach's head is on the chopping block and the domestic series has been swept away. But what is a bit funny is that Genk probably sees the same thing as Rangers. Because they will also see a team completely out of form, and they know that this is a golden opportunity to take three points with them in what will be a very even division.

If we get a match where both teams are going for the win, and where Martin's football will create dangerous situations in the back rows, our main bet should be fine. Because Belgian opposition is nothing new for Martin and Rangers. They met Club Brugge in the last qualifying round for the Champions League this year, and there they smoked out with 1-9 on aggregate.

Now Genk is not of the same caliber as Club Brugge, but they have enough qualities to make life miserable for Rangers. And if they have done their homework, they will stand tall and stress Rangers in the build-up phase. This often creates dangerous situations such as goal chances, corners, throws high into the field and dangerous pass breaks. And we know Rangers have to convince the home fans here. Only a win is good enough if the job is to be kept, and if heads are not to roll. And when I also think Genk can contribute with goals, but BTS gives too little, I try the following bet;

Europa League at 21:00: Rangers Fc – Racing Genk: Over 2.5 goals (1.68)

Alternative game;

I have no faith that Rangers will walk into three points here. There is too much fire in the team for Genk to be taken lightly. And if Genk gets a goal, or does it consistently for long enough, then I think the corner line is fine. Rangers can attack, and they will attack. They must attack, and the boss should keep his job. Therefore, we also try the following play;

Europa League at 21:00: Rangers Fc – Racing Genk: Over 4.5 corners for Rangers Fc (1.76)

Remember that everything related to sports is discussed in our Discord server. It's also where the best live games are presented. Join us here .