Reliable journo names possible Europa League opponents awaiting Rangers in upcoming draw
The three teams that Rangers could face in the second qualification round of the Europa League have been reported by Press Association journalist Andy Newport.
The draw for the tie will take place later today (August 31st), and will see Steven Gerrard’s men take their first steps in this season’s competition after reaching the round of 16 last time around.
The Gers were knocked out of last season’s tournament by Bayer Leverkusen, and had to wait until August to play the second leg of that tie due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
But after a short break, the Glaswegian giants are set to throw themselves straight back into continental action, with three possible opponents lined up for them.
According to Newport, seeding means that the Gers will either face Borac Banja Luka of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Lincoln Red Imps of Gibraltar, or Swiss side Servette.
What would be the best and worst case scenario for the Gers?
If we look at those three sides, the one that jumps out as a preferable tie is Lincoln Red Imps.
The reigning champions of Gibraltar have won their league five times in the last six seasons, but are still only semi-professional, and have never made it past the second qualifying round of the Europa League.
They also beat Celtic in Brendan Rodgers’ first competitive game in charge of the Hoops, often dubbed the Shock of Gibraltar.
Borac Banja Luka are playing in their first European campaign since 2012/13, and they too have never been past the second qualifying round.
Of the three sides, Servette probably have the most pedigree, playing in the toughest league and finishing fourth last term.
That being said, the Swiss top flight only has 10 teams in it, meaning that nearly half the league get a shot at European football.
Servette have 17 Swiss titles to their name, but are something of a sleeping giant, and haven’t won a title since 1999.
The last time they were in Europe was 2012/13, when they were knocked out of the third qualifying round on away goals by Rosenberg.
In short, without taking anything for granted, you would expect Rangers to see their way past any of these three sides with relatively little trouble.
In other Rangers news, Leon Balogun has started life in Glasgow brilliantly.