Sturm Graz vs Rangers preview: Team news, lineup, prediction
Rangers will face Sturm Graz in a tough Europa League tie in their next match.
Sturm Graz are currently second in the Austrian top flight with five wins from their first seven matches, and with Rangers in woeful form, the prospect of victory looks slim.
Russell Martin finally won a league game as Rangers beat Livingston in the last minute, and will hope to build up some form after a dismal start.
Rangers were beaten by Genk in their first Europa League game, and will now be set for changes ahead of their trip to Austria.
Form guide: (all competitions)
Sturm Graz: LWWLW
Rangers: DLWLW
Team News
Mohamed Diomande will be suspended following his red card against Genk in the last round, and Martin will face a decision over who replaces him in midfield.
Conor Barron replaced Diomande against Livingston, but hardly lit up the place in his 82 minutes, and Joe Rothwell could be selected ahead of him.
Youssef Chermiti started over Bojan Miovski against Genk, and again a decision could be made as Rangers may prioritise domestic results.
Derek Cornelius and Jayden Meghoma both came off with injury scares against Livingston, but there is no confirmation that they will be absent from this match.
If they are, then goalscorer Max Aarons and Nasser Djiga could replace the pair, and an already weak back line would become even worse.
Predicted lineups
Sturm Graz: Christensen, Hierlander, Aiwu, Lavalee, Karic, Stankovic, Beck, Horvat, Jatta, Hodl, Malone.
Rangers: Butland, Tavernier, Djiga, Souttar, Aarons, Raskin, Barron, Aasgaard, Antman, Chermiti, Gassama.
Prediction: Sturm Graz 2-1 Rangers
Martin’s side were still unconvincing against Livingston, and fans have completely turned against the manager, who looks unlikely to inspire a tough away win.
If Cornelius and Meghoma are out, they will be even weaker at the back, and Martin’s style of play could see the defence get carved open by a European side.
Sturm Graz are in better form than Genk were when they came to Ibrox and dominated, and more dropped points appears the likeliest outcome.
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