It’s a big night under the lights at Ibrox as the Light Blues look to secure a big matchday four win and take a big step towards knockout football in the Europa League after Christmas.
James Tavernier will be hoping for a similar outcome to Rangers’ win over Hearts with Sparta Prague in town for Europa League action tonight
Philippe Clement faces a number of key decisions ahead of Rangers’ showdown with Sparta Prague.
The Light Blues gaffer has got off to a flying start in Glasgow since replacing Michael Beale and has kicked-off his time in the dugout with a five game unbeaten run to date. He’s picked up three wins in the Scottish Premiership against Hibs, Hearts and Dundee while he also tasted victory over the Jambos last time out in the Viaplay Cup semi-final at Hampden to book a return to the national stadium next month for the competition showpiece against Aberdeen.
He’s already came up against tonight’s opponents after securing what could prove to be a vital point on the road. His side stood strong in the opening 45 minutes and soaked up lots of pressure with a combination of Jack Butland and defensive blocks keeping the Czech side out. They grew into the contest and could have won it themselves and with more games and time together under their belts, Clement will be confident ahead of the return meeting under the lights at Ibrox as he targets a big three points.
However, the hosts do have a number of injury concerns and players missing due to non-involvement in the Europa League squad. Leon Balogun is one of those after impressing against Dundee and Hearts in the past two matches. He will miss out completely and with John Souttar sidelined until after the international break Ben Davies is likely to partner Connor Goldson in defence. Ridvan Yilmaz is also ruled out through the same reason with Borna Barisic likely to keep his left-back role after a short spell out.
In midfield Nicolas Raskin will miss the next two matches at least while Scott Wright is also a ‘serious doubt’ after his Hampden heroics. He came on for Todd Cantwell at half-time and helped spark Rangers’ triumph by playing a major role after finding the net and also a key part in James Tavernier’s free-kick stunner after he was fouled. The skipper also netted a penalty in the 3-1 victory.
Kemar Roofe is back available but only fit enough for ‘five or ten minutes’ but provides an option from the bench if chasing a goal while Rabbi Matondo is back in training but won’t make this one as it comes too early. He will likely be looking to get up and running and provide that pace and direct style option for Clement on the return from the November internationals.
