The Europa League this season has been extremely unpredictable, with so-called 'smaller' teams with lower budgets thriving against some of Europe's established elite. This means that any predictions that are made are extremely likely to come back to haunt the pundits who make them.
For example, it would have taken a very brave observer to predict that Barcelona would be defeated by Rangers' Europa League final opponents Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter finals. You might have been similarly ridiculed for predicting that the Gers would beat German giants Borussia Dortmund in the Round of 32 way back in February.
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Despite this, pundits are still putting their thoughts out there ahead of tomorrow night's match, for which Rangers are narrow outsiders at 6/5, with Frankfurt favoured to lift the famous trophy at 4/6. Here we take a look at what's been said so far ahead of the big match.
Charlie Nicholas:
Speaking in his Scottish Daily Express column, the former Celtic man backed his old club's rivals: "Eintracht Frankfurt can score goals but they are vulnerable at the back, similar to their opponents.
"However, Rangers have a mentality in these epic European nights that elevates their performances.
"They also have matchwinners Ryan Kent, Joe Aribo and Aaron Ramsey can do something magical, but I've got a feeling their key players in Seville will be James Tavernier and Calvin Bassey.
"Bassey's pace at the back is a massive asset, while Tavernier has shown he can single-handedly change a game.
"The captain's scoring record is phenomenal, as is his assists tally. If Tavernier gets the time and space to exert his influence, I can see Rangers edging it.
"The full-back is the top scorer in the Europa League this season and the third highest scorer in Scotland with 18 goals in all competitions.
"Yes, a fair few of them are penalties but even if you take them out of the equation, his goal return is incredible and he is getting better.
"I can see Tavernier being the ultimate hero. He always seems to deliver when it matters.
"My score prediction is 1-1 after 90 minutes and Rangers to win 2-1 in extra-time."
Barry Ferguson:
Speaking about the 2008 final last month, ahead of the semi-final, former Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson said this side could go one better, he explained: “What an achievement it was getting to the final but it’s still disappointing that you don’t win it. This group of players can go one better.
“Everyone says it was a brilliant achievement to get there but when you get to finals you want to win them. There’s nothing worse."
