Rangers can ‘do everyone a favour’ in Champions League showdown vs Viktoria Plzen
Viktoria Plzen should present the perfect opponent for Rangers in the Champions League after their indifferent domestic form.
The Glasgow outfit have been immense in Europe once again, but have only managed two draws in the Scottish Premiership under Russell Martin.
Rangers salvaged a late draw against Dundee courtesy of James Tavernier on Saturday afternoon after Nasser Djiga was sent off at Ibrox.
Now, the Gers can do everyone a favour as they prepare for the second leg of their Champions League qualifying tie with the Czech side on Tuesday, 3-0 ahead on aggregate.
What Rangers can do against Viktoria Plzen
Rangers thrashed Plzen 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions League double-header, meaning the pressure is off the Bears.
However, the Gers’ league form has been concerning, meaning there is an extra emphasis on getting a result in the Czech Republic.
Mikey Moore is not eligible to play for Rangers against Plzen, but a debut should not be far on the horizon.
Keith Jackson has predicted the Glasgow side to win away from home and says that Martin can relax in the knowledge that his players will actually fancy going to their work.
Writing in the print edition of the Daily Record (pg 48, 12 August), he said: “The tie was effectively killed stone dead at Ibrox last week, but Rangers can do us all a favour and boost the coefficient with an away win.”
Jackson predicted a 2-0 win for the Bears on the road.
Read more: Viktoria Plzen vs Rangers preview: Team news, possible lineup, prediction
Martin cannot afford a Champions League embarrassment
While at 3-0 the tie appears dead, Martin cannot afford for his players to slip up in the European clash.
Plzen have no choice but to give it a go, and that should suit Rangers, who should be handed opportunities to score.
However, an early goal for the home side could make it a nervy encounter, which is why the Light Blues must be ready from the off.
Despite some positive displays in the Champions League, the Glasgow side have been unconvincing in the Scottish Premiership.
- Rangers are yet to win a league game after draws with Motherwell and Dundee
- The Gers have been excellent in Europe against Panathinaikos and Plzen
If they win, then Rangers will be a step closer to the group stage, although Club Brugge or RB Salzburg would stand in their way at the final hurdle.
Sign up for the Ibrox News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Rangers news sent straight to your phone.