Rangers will aim to avenge their loss to Aris Limassol last time out in the Europa League when they travel to Sparta Prague on Thursday.
The Light Blues earned a well-deserved win over a strong Real Betis side on Gameweek 1 to give fans renewed hope of making the final stages of the Europa League once more having done so in 2021-22. But in the crossfire of Michael Beale’s sacking, caretaker boss Steven Davis lost to Cypriot minnows Aris to effectively rule out the achievement of beating Betis.
It means that the two clashes with Sparta Prague are likely to be vital to whether the club finish in the top two of the group or not – and it’s given Philippe Clement a lot to think about ahead of the trip to Czechia. Glasgow Live Sport takes a look at how he could set his team up as the new Ibrox gaffer looks to build on his 4-0 dugout debut win over Hibs last weekend.
In goals, Jack Butland is arguably the easiest player to call in the entire team. The Englishman has been imperious for the Light Blues this season and will be expected to keep his case.
Defence sees the ever-present James Tavernier and Connor Goldson start; but whilst there is a slight tussle to fill the other centre-half slot between Ben Davies and John Souttar , it is worth remembering that both Ridvan Yilmaz and Borna Barisic are out of action. That means that Adam Devine could be trusted in that slot, but with experience key, it could see Davies start on the flank.
Belgian Clement praised the trio of Scott Wright , Cyriel Dessers and Abdallah Sima for their hard-pressing work and defending from the front against Hibs – and it’s hard to argue with them all starting in Prague when they’re likely to be a slight bit under the cosh.
