Paul Merson: Slavia Prague tie will provide true test of Rangers
Paul Merson is a big fan of Rangers but claims games against Slavia Prague will provide a difficult test for the newly crowned Scottish champions.
The Sky Sports pundit argues that the Czech outfit will give the Gers a tough game because they knocked out Leicester City in the previous round.
Should Rangers progress however he believes they will be a team most clubs will be hoping to avoid in the quarter-finals.
“This is a hard game against Slavia Prague,” Merson wrote in his Sky Sports column.
“I watched them against Leicester, they are not a bad team at all. It will be a really interesting game.
“It should give you a proper idea as to how good Rangers are because to knock Leicester out, who are third in the Premier League, over two legs is no mean feat.
“But if they get through, there will be plenty of teams not wanting to draw Rangers in the next round, that’s for sure.”
Quietly confident
Slavia Prague are clearly an accomplished side but the squad is high on confidence and capable of taking on any opponent.
The nine goals we scored against Antwerp means we pose a threat in Europe and Slavia Prague may adopt a defensive approach as a result.
That could work in our favour as Alfredo Morelos, Joe Aribo and Ryan Kent are capable of dominating opponents and unlocking defences.
However, it is important we are not complacent following the weekend’s events.
Slavia Prague have already played their hand by celebrating in reaction to draw us.
That writes Gerrard’s team talk for him and the squad should be galvanised and ready to give their all on Thursday.
It is now are biggest game of the season and as long as we keep things organised and tight at the back we have a great chance of getting a result.
That would put us in a brilliant position ahead of the Ibrox fixture next week.
In other Rangers news, Slavia Prague have received a significant boost ahead of Thursday’s clash.