Rangers vs Benfica: Early kick-off time, live stream, TV channel, injury list, teams for Europa League last 16 cruncher

IT’S got the feel of another one of those monumental Ibrox nights.

And Rangers will need it to be if they are to overcome injury issues to book a spot in the last eight of the Europa League against Portuguese giants Benfica.

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For an incredible fourth time in five seasons, the Gers have made it to the last 16 of the Europa League – and they more than held their own against Portuguese giants Benfica as they came away from the Stadium of Light with a 2-2 draw.

But there’s still plenty of work to be done in Thursday night’s second leg in Govan.

It’s a match they could go into without as many as NINE top team stars – most of them in attack.

And one which has an unusual early evening kick off for Ibrox fans to get their head around.

Here’s all you need to know:

When does Rangers vs Benfica kick off?

• Rangers take on Benfica TONIGHT, Thursday March 14th
• The match kicks off at the early kick off time o 5.45pm
• The tie is level at 2-2 from the first leg in Portugal

Why does the match have one of the early kick off slots?

• Rangers were always guaranteed the second leg at home as a group winner
• But they are one of FIVE British teams playing at home in Europe this Thursday – and Uefa attempt to give a spread of kick-off times
• Aston Villa, Brighton and Liverpool all kick off at 8pm – and that leaves West Ham and Rangers with the tea-time slots.
• The same applies to the Portuguese market – with Benfica’s Lisbon rivals Sporting will play Atalanta in Bergamo at 8pm

Is Rangers vs Benfica on TV and can I live stream it?

• Rangers vs Benfica is being screened live on TNT Sports 4
• The programme starts at 5pm
• The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination.
• You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.

What is the early team news?

The Gers lost the versatile Dujon Sterling and Ross McCausland to injury against Hibs, and are already without the talents of Oscar Cortes, Abdallah Sima, Danilo and Kieran Dowell.

But the good news is that Todd Cantwell is back – and Scott Wright could feature too.

Rabbi Matondo came on against Hibs and is likely to have to step up on the left side here – with midfielder Ryan Jack also appearing on the injury list.

Benfica are still without experienced full back Juan Bernat but they bounced back from a three-game winless run with a 3-1 win over Estoril.

Manager Roger Schmidt remains under huge pressure – but he left out Joao Neves, Angel Di Maria and Rafa Silva for that clash and all are likely to be recalled on Thursday.

What are the match odds?

Rangers 9/5

Draw 11/4

Benfica 11/8

Odds as of Bet365, 12/3/24

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