Rangers will bid to secure automatic qualification to the last 16 of the Europa League as they welcome Belgian outfit Union Saint-Gilloise to Ibrox on Thursday night.
While a last 16 playoff spot is already secured, the Glasgow giants could go one better if they can emerge victorious at Ibrox, with a win potentially resulting in a top eight finish, should other results also go in their favour.
It’ll be no easy feat though, with their Belgian opposition looking to steal a last eight spot themselves and a number of key Rangers players expected to miss the game in Govan. Connor Barron, Leon Balogun and Ridvan Yilmaz are all injury doubts ahead of the game, while Ianis Hagi, Clinton Nsiala and new signing Rafael Fernandes are all ineligible.
There could be some good news for Philippe Clement though, after key duo John Souttar and Vaclav Cerny were pictured back in training on Wednesday. But is it too early for them to start?
Ahead of the game, The Scotsman predict the Rangers starting XI for the Europa League clash at Ibrox, using live photos from Wednesday’s training session.
5. LB: Jefte
The Brazilian defender is one of the first names on the team sheet at present, and will line-up at left-back when Union Saint-Gilloise visit on Thursday. | SNS Group
6. CM: Nicolas Raskin
The Belgian midfielder will be deployed in the deep-lying midfield role as Rangers look to progress to the last 16 stage automatically. | SNS Group
7. CM: Mohamed Diomande
The Ivorian will play just ahead of Raskin in a midfield three. | SNS Group
8. CM: Nedim Bajrami
Capable of playing on the wing, or in the 10, the Albanian international is likely to be deployed in a slightly deeper role alongside Diomande, similar to how he asked to play against Dundee United at the weekend. It is needs must for Clement, with Connor Barron unlikely to be fit Ianis Hagi ineligible. | SNS Group