The Rangers team to play Sparta Prague in this evening’s crucial Europa League Group A clash has been confirmed.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s first selection as manager at Ibrox is as follows:
Allan McGregor – James Tavernier, Connor Goldson, Calvin Bassey, Borna Barisic – Steven Davis, Glen Kamara – Joe Aribo, Ianis Hagi, Ryan Kent – Alfredo Morelos.
On the bench we have McLaughlin, McCrorie – Patterson, King – Lundstram, Jack, Arfield, Bacuna, Kelly – Wright, Sakala.
🆕 Tonight's #RangersFC team to face Sparta Prague in the @EuropaLeague.#UEL pic.twitter.com/kSCK1xlZqn
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) November 25, 2021
The absence of Leon Balogun is an enforced one after he limped out of the game against Hibs on Sunday, in his place comes Calvin Bassey with questions remaining about his competence in the middle of the difference – the young Nigerian needs a big performance.
As expected, most of the players retain their starting positions after Hampden and its up to them to respond in the right way and to repay the faith shown by Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
For GvB, he will be fired up and determined to starts as he means to go on – for his team to show some signs of freshness and inspiration with so much to play for this season.
In front of a vociferous home support, the Gers are likely to line-up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with much anticipation of how they go about their business against the Czechs, under the leadership of the new Dutch coaching team.
Expect more width, a more direct style at times and a will to win – the latter is the very minimum required as Rangers aim to secure qualification for the Last 32 of the Europa League with a two goal cushion required as well as Brondby not taking full points off Lyon.