This is probably the most sophisticated Rangers team of all time, vastly improved by the arrival of foreign players who accept the strict discipline of their manager. And Valencia, by all professionals accounts, are in disarray.

Any realistic view of Group F suggests that last year's finalists, and winners until the 89th minute, Bayern Munich will progress, probably along with PSV Eindhoven. So Rangers and Valencia know that the last result either wants is a draw and a single point.

Dick Advocaat thinks that although he doesn't quite say so - that his team will win.

So, too, does Gabriel Amato, the Argentine striker who will replace the injured Rod Wallace. "We have won nine out of 10 games this season. Valencia have lost their last three so we will be the confident ones," he said.

That was certainly the case as both managers talked about the tie. Advocaat said: "I don't think Valencia are a well balanced side. They have too many attackers" to which the beleaguered Valencia boss Hector Cuper could only reply, "I respect his opinion - but it is only his opinion."

Attention has focused on the clash between Amato and Valencia's defender Amadeo Carboni who was sent off against Liverpool last season for an outrage on Steve McManaman and who has been suspended so far in the Spanish league.

Amato has played against him before as a member of last year's Real Mallorca side and claims that he does not represent as big a physical threat as everyone thinks. In any case, the Argentinean has other things on his mind. "I am happy to be given the chance. I like Rangers, I like Glasgow but I don't enjoy not being in the first team every week."