Rangers supporters are set for an afternoon kick-off when the team travels to the eastern frontier of Europe to take on Alashkert in the second leg of the Europa League Playoff round.
The first place takes place at Ibrox on 19th August, next Thursday, with the return game coming one week later in the Armenian capital.
The latter game has a 7pm local time kick-off which means a 4pm UK start – as stated by UEFA with confirmation from Ibrox expected very soon.
For may fans, the scramble now begins to secure an early finish, working from home or maybe even the full day off work and other commitments.
Given that the Europa League decider comes just three days before the visit of Celtic to Ibrox, Rangers will be striving for as strong a result as possible in the first leg, at home.
With the understandable disappointment at failing to qualify for the next round of Champions League, the fourth consecutive year of Europa League action will be met with an element of initial disinterest, but that will be eradicated once the Gers can secure their place in the group stage draw given the relatively high quality of clubs in the hat.
Before that however, Alashkert will be taken seriously and with Steven Gerrard’s men not yet firing on all cylinders, there is further momentum to be gained.
Yes, the drop down to the EL isn’t something that was wanted, but it is where we are now and the revenue is critical for the club, as well as the pursuit of further European progress on the pitch.
After last season’s abrupt ending against Slavia Prague in the Last 16, a quarter final berth has to be the aim this term.