An 'unconvincing' Rangers side will fail to beat Villarreal in the Europa League clash on Thursday, according to Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas.

Steven Gerrard's side advanced through the qualifying stages to seal their spot in the group stages and have impressed so far this season, with their only defeat coming in a 1-0 loss to Celtic prior to the international break.

Despite their fine form this season, former Arsenal striker Charlie Nicholas believes that there is still a lot of work for Gerrard to do at Ibrox and has predicted Villarreal will win 2-0 on home soil.

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"Rangers are unconvincing. At home they are definitely improving under Steven Gerrard. A lot of people are unsure but I am convinced they are improving, it is just early stages for them," he told Sky Sports.

"This competition was about getting in there and getting the money and their profile up.

"Villarreal won at the weekend but have not started the season well. They have an intimidating little stadium, not hostile but an intimidating little pitch and it is different.

"They are very good technically, always have pace up front, and I think Rangers will struggle in this group, starting with a defeat."

In a group that also includes Rapid Wien and Spartak Moscow, a trip to Spain to face an organised Villarreal side was always going to be the most difficult fixture for Gerrard's side and a loss would not be a major surprise.

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