Rangers v Viktoria Plzen preview: Team news, lineups, prediction
Rangers return to European action against Viktoria Plzen as the Light Blues aim to take another step closer to qualifying for the Champions League.
Russell Martin’s side dropped points in the opening game of the SPFL season against Motherwell on Saturday (2 August), with a late equaliser from Emmanuel Longelo cancelling out James Tavernier’s opener.
Gers cannot afford to dwell on this result, however, as they must ensure they make the most of their home advantage against Plzen at Ibrox before they have to make the trip away to play the Czech side.
Here, Ibrox News previews the clash with Viktoria Plzen, including team news, lineups, and a predicted result.
Form Guide (All competitions)
Rangers: DWDDD
Viktoria Plzen: DWLDW
Team news
Given his poor performance against Motherwell, Kieran Dowell is expected to lose out, with Findlay Curtis potentially starting out wide instead.
- Danilo failed to register a shot on target against Motherwell
The youngster has already netted in Europe against Panathinaikos and will be hoping to add another goal to his tally.
Cyriel Dessers is also expected to lead the line after he replaced Danilo over the weekend, with the Brazilian failing to impress.
Predicted lineup
With Dessers leading the line, Martin will be hoping the striker can break the deadlock against Viktoria Plzen.
Failing that, both Gassama and Curtis have thrived in European games so far and will surely be a threat to Plzen.
In the engine room, Joe Rothwell will hope to bring his creative spark as he lines up alongside Nicolas Raskin and Mohammed Diomande in midfield.
The back four is likely to consist of Max Aarons, John Souttar, Nasser Djiga and Tavernier, who will all look to protect Jack Butland’s goal, with the shot stopper starting the season in incredible form.
Prediction: Rangers 2-1 Viktoria Plzen
Although Martin has recently come under some criticism for his tactics and general approach after berating his players following their 1-1 draw with Motherwell, expect Gers to get back to winning ways.
Martin’s side must get a positive result at home as they cannot afford to play Plzen away from home with a significant deficit to make.
It’s hard to envisage Rangers keeping a clean sheet after giving up so many chances in their previous games; however, we are backing the Light Blues to take a slender lead with them to Czechia.
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