Tavernier starts: Rangers predicted XI to face Viktoria Plzen
Rangers will look to take another big step toward the Champions League group stage when they travel to Viktoria Plzen on Tuesday.
The Gers are in total command of the third qualifying round tie, running out impressive 3-0 winners at Ibrox last week against the side that finished second in the Czech top-flight last season.
Rangers must now head to the Doosan Arena to finish the job, but do so knowing they’re winless in their last six competitive away matches across all competitions, so there’s no room for complacency.
With that in mind, how can we expect Russell Martin‘s side to line up?
Rangers predicted XI vs Viktoria Plzen
Thelo Aasgaard has returned to training but was removed from the squad ahead of the first leg to make room for Oliver Antman, so cannot feature. However, Hamza Igamane is back on the grass and could be included in the travelling party.
Mikey Moore has seen his Rangers debut delayed and recently penned a new long-term contract at Tottenham. He will be ready to play against Alloa Athletic in the League Cup at the weekend, but was not registered in the squad ahead of the first leg of this tie.
The front three of Antman, Cyriel Dessers and Djeidi Gassama tore Plzen apart last week and will surely be kept together again here. Captain James Tavernier could return to the starting XI ahead of Max Aarons after making an impact from the bench against Dundee — including scoring a late equaliser from the penalty spot.
Dujon Sterling is still sidelined long-term, while Rabbi Matondo is also on the treatment table.
Ridvan Yilmaz, Clinton Nsiala, Ben Davies and Jose Cifuentes are all out of the Champions League squad ahead of possible summer exits.
Draw specialists Rangers to get the job done
It’s been a very underwhelming start to the domestic season for Rangers under new boss Martin, who will be relishing the chance to return to European action.
Rangers bring a commanding lead to the Czech Republic after an excellent performance at Ibrox and should have enough in the tank to get the job finished.
Of course, there are no guarantees, especially given Rangers haven’t set the world alight away from home in recent months.
| Opponent | Result | Competition |
| Dundee (H) | 1-1 D | Scottish Premiership |
| Viktoria Plzen (H) | 3-0 W | Champions League |
| Motherwell (A) | 1-1 D | Scottish Premiership |
| Panathinaikos (A) | 1-1 D | Champions League |
| Panathinaikos (H) | 2-0 W | Champions League |
Plzen are also generally strong at home, only losing on their own patch against the likes of Lazio, the two Prague giants, Banik Ostrava and Servette this calendar year — and they still made it past the latter on aggregate to set up this tie.
Draws have been on the menu for Rangers in recent times, with 10 of their last 15 competitive and friendly matches ending all square.
That would be enough here, and they should achieve it, though not without a few scares along the way.
Next up after that will be a very difficult tie against either RB Salzburg or Club Brugge for the right to join the League Phase.
Prediction: 2-2