Viktoria Plzen vs Rangers preview: Team news, possible lineup, prediction
Rangers will be eyeing salvation in the Champions League after a couple of poor league results.
Russell Martin’s side defeated Viktoria Plzen 3-0 in the first leg of their European double header, putting one foot into the final qualifying round.
However, that result was sandwiched by two disappointing 1-1 draws at the hands of Motherwell and Dundee.
Heading into the second leg in the Czech Republic on Tuesday, Ibrox News provides all the information you need to know.
Viktoria Plzen vs Rangers preview
Rangers have one foot in the next round after an emphatic victory at Ibrox.
New signing Oliver Antman impressed in Rangers’ win, and Martin will be hoping his arrivals continue to make an impact on the European stage.
However, the Bears cannot afford to be complacent in the second leg, and Martin will be hoping for a response after their poor league form.
If they triumph, then Rangers will advance to the next round, where they would face either RB Salzburg or Club Brugge.
Rangers played Club Brugge in their first match of pre-season, which ended in a 2-2 draw at Ibrox.
Read more: Rangers vs Viktoria Plzen predicted by supercomputer in Champions League
Form (all competitions)
Viktoria Plzen: LDWLD
Rangers: WDDWD
Team news
James Tavernier is predicted to return to the starting team after being dropped for the draw with the Dens Park outfit in favour of Max Aarons.
Djeidi Gassama has been a standout player for Rangers in the Champions League and is also expected to start.
Antman looks set to retain his place after his impressive debut against the Czech side last week.
Given that Nasser Djiga was sent off against Dundee, he could start for Martin as he will miss the next league game.
However, Thelo Aasgaard, Hamza Igamane, and Mikey Moore remain unavailable due to injury or administrative issues.
As for Plzen, Adrian Zeljkovic, who missed the first leg due to suspension, is available for selection.
Predicted line-ups
Viktoria Plzen: Wiegele, Dweh Markovic, Jemelka, Spacil, Cerv, Havel, Doski, Zeljkovic, Adu, Vydra
Rangers: Butland, Tavernier, Djiga, Souttar, Jefte, Rothwell, Raskin, Antman, Diomande, Gassama, Dessers
Prediction: Viktoria Plzen 1-2 Rangers
Given that Plzen need a convincing win to turn the tie around, they have no choice but to go for it at home.
The Glasgow club are yet to keep a clean sheet away from Ibrox this season, meaning the Czech side could score.
However, while Martin’s side do not need goals, they have enough strength in attack to deal Plzen more blows, especially on the break.
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