Dessers starts: Rangers predicted XI to face Viktoria Plzen
Rangers are back in Champions League qualifying action and after his fiery comments post Motherwell, manager Russell Martin may ring the changes.
The Gers were heavily criticised for their performance in their 1-1 draw at Motherwell, which opened their Scottish Premiership campaign.
After the match, Martin said his team were “lucky” to get a point and were “outfought” at Fir Park.
Rangers move swiftly onto the third qualifying round in the Champions League where they will host Viktoria Plzen at Ibrox in the first leg after defeating Greek side Panathinaikos in the last round.
Cameron could make full debut
Striker Cyriel Dessers looks certain for a start up-front after Martin praised the striker’s work rate against Motherwell, and the manager will require players who give their all on the pitch.
Summer signing Lyall Cameron from Dundee may therefore be promoted from the bench to make his full debut for the club, with Nedim Bajrami and Connor Barron also vying for a place in the middle of the park.
Nico Raskin’s display was a concern with the 24-year-old’s future at the club uncertain, whilst Kieran Dowell also failed to impress down the wing meaning Oscar Cortes could come into the side.
Loan addition Mikey Moore is still awaiting international clearance, so the 17-year-old is unlikely to feature whilst midfielders Thelo Aasgaard and Hamza Igamane remain unavailable due to injuries.
Moore absence a blow
Football Insider Verdict
Moore still unlikely to be unavailable is a blow to Martin, as the youngster is a fearless winger capable of adding pace and a direct wing style to Rangers’ play.
The 17-year-old wants to impress in Glasgow to aid his chances of getting more first team minutes when he returns to Tottenham.
| Apperances | 20 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 4 |
Rangers lacked width and threat down the flanks against Motherwell, which Moore would have been able to add.
Striker Danilo received little service and Motherwell were comfortable defending Rangers’ attacks with their goal coming from a James Tavernier header from a set-piece.
In the Scottish Premiership, and with Martin’s passing style, Rangers will see a lot of possession against the majority of their opponents and they will need to add variety into their attacks to break stubborn defences down.
Viktoria Plzen will likely come to Ibrox with the intention of staying in the tie heading back to the Czech Republic, with the second leg only a week later.
The winner of the tie will face either RB Salzburg or Club Brugge in the final qualifying round before the league stage.