This is the closest group in this competition as every team in it goes into this match day with a chance to make the round of 32.

Rangers can end this Thursday top of the group or totally out of contention, and that can happen if they lose this game while Spartak Moscow wins their match.

The former Liverpool captain’s side have had a solid European campaign so far and they should be confident of getting a result here.

Rangers have been one of the most consistent sides in the competition this season and only suffered their first European loss of the season in their last group game.

Villarreal were seen as favourites to top this group when the draw was made, but they haven’t had the best of seasons both domestically and in Europe.

They come into this game in 16^th position in La Liga but they should be confident after their 2-1 win over Real Betis at the weekend.

This Villarreal team has been heavily rotated for European nights this season however we expect Javier Calleja to play his most trusted players for this one.

Rangers have been involved in some high scoring games this season as they continue to play a very attractive brand of attacking football.

The Ibrox side have scored 15 times in their last 4 games and 10 times in their last 2 home games.

Villarreal have also netted 10 times in their 4 group games so far.  That is an average of 3.75 goals per game, and this game could end as another high scoring affair.

Bookmakers have priced Villarreal up as favourites to come out on top while Rangers are slight underdogs while playing at home.

Oddsmakers and fans alike believe this game will see goals as over 2.5 goals is currently trading odds-on.

Results of each team’s last 5 matches across all leagues and competitions

Rangers

LAST FIVE GAMES						DATE	COMPETITION
W	Rangers		7-1		Motherwell	11 Nov, 2018	Scottish Premiership
L	Spartak Moscow		4-3		Rangers	8 Nov, 2018	UEFA Europa League
W	St Mirren		0-2		Rangers	3 Nov, 2018	Scottish Premiership
D	Rangers		1-1		Kilmarnock	31 Oct, 2018	Scottish Premiership
L	Aberdeen		1-0		Rangers	28 Oct, 2018	Scottish League Cup

Villarreal

LAST FIVE GAMES						DATE	COMPETITION
D	Rayo Vallecano		2-2		Villarreal	11 Nov, 2018	Spanish Primera División
D	Rapid Vienna		0-0		Villarreal	8 Nov, 2018	UEFA Europa League
D	Villarreal		1-1		Levante	4 Nov, 2018	Spanish Primera División
D	Almeria		3-3		Villarreal	1 Nov, 2018	Spanish Copa del Rey
L	Alavés		2-1		Villarreal	28 Oct, 2018	Spanish Primera División

H2H

					DATE	COMPETITION
Villarreal		2-2		Rangers	20 Sep, 2018	UEFA Europa League