Leipzig vs Rangers Europa League semi-final first-leg preview: Where to watch, kick-off time, predicted line-ups

Leipzig and Rangers meet in their UEFA Europa League semi-final first leg on Thursday 28 April.

Where to watch Leipzig vs Rangers on TV

Fans can find their local UEFA Europa League broadcast partner(s) here.

What do you need to know?

Leipzig's in-form striker Christopher Nkunku struck twice as the German side impressed in their last-eight second leg against Atalanta, stretching their unbeaten run in all competitions to 13 matches, and setting up a first ever meeting with Rangers. The Glasgow outfit required extra time but eventually saw off Braga in a thrilling quarter-final decider at Ibrox to become the first Scottish club to reach the semi-finals in the Europa League era.

Possible line-ups

Leipzig: Gulácsi; Klostermann, Gvardiol, Halstenberg; Henrichs, Laimer, Adams, Angeliño; Olmo, Nkunku, Szoboszlai
Suspended: Kampl, Orbán, Simakan
Misses next match if booked: none

Rangers: McGregor; Tavernier, Goldson, Bassey, Barišić; Jack, Lundstram; Aribo, Kamara, Kent; Wright
Suspended: none
Misses next match if booked: none

Form guide

Leipzig
Form (all competitions, most recent first): LWWWWD
Where they stand: 4th in German Bundesliga, German Cup final

Rangers
Form (all competitions, most recent first): WWWWLL
Where they stand: 2nd in Scottish Premier League, Scottish Cup final

Expert predictions

James Thorogood, Leipzig reporter
Having hit their stride since Domenico Tedesco took charge, Leipzig are closer than ever to a first piece of major silverware in the club's short history. The attacking trio of André Silva, Christophere Nkunku and Dani Olmo are a back-line's worst nightmare and, while the suspensions of Kevin Kampl, Willi Orbán and Mohamed Simakan could have an impact, Leipzig have strength in depth. The opportunity to eliminate a side who have already knocked out Bundesliga rivals Dortmund and Leverkusen is one Tedesco's men will relish.

Alex O'Henley, Rangers reporter
With Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe both ruled out through injury the problem for Rangers coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst is who to start in attack. Fashion Sakala would be the obvious choice unless he utilises Joe Aribo or Scott Arfield in a 'false nine' position. A draw or a narrow defeat in Germany would keep Rangers on course for their first European final since 2008.

What the coaches say

Domenico Tedesco, Leipzig coach: "Rangers knocked Dortmund out of the Europa League and that says a lot. We know about their strengths; they're a physically strong side who can beat any opponent if you allow them to play their way. Rangers are also strong on the wings and have players with good individual quality in that position. They put a lot of crosses into the box and get a good amount of players into the area."

Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Rangers coach: "Of course playing in a European semi-final is exciting but we have to overcome a tough team. We have watched Leipzig play a lot of games and are well prepared. We want to attack and create chances, we have to do the right thing at the right moments. We will have moments when we need to defend but we will be looking for dangerous chances to score. It’s a semi-final of the Europa League so the standard is high."

Where is the 2022 Europa League final?

Seville's Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium will stage the final on Wednesday 18 May.

The winners gain a place in the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League group stage, if they have not qualified via their domestic competition.