Inside Ibrox squad predictions vs Viktoria Plzen: Who starts for tonight's crunch second leg?

Rangers v Viktoria Plzen - UEFA Champions League Second Qualifying Round First Leg
Rangers v Viktoria Plzen - UEFA Champions League Second Qualifying Round First Leg | Ian MacNicol/GettyImages

Rangers head to Czechia for their second leg match against Viktoria Plzen tonight.

With a 3-0 first leg win the Gers are in an excellent position to qualify for the playoff round of the UEFA Champions League, leaving them two matches away from the League Phase of European football’s top table.

Despite a brilliant first leg performance, Russell Martin and his side came crashing back down to Earth with a drab 1-1 draw with Dundee at Ibrox on Saturday.

Will the boss make any big changes for tonight’s third qualifying round tie following the poor domestic showing at the weekend?

Rangers remain without the injured Hamza Igamane, Thelo Aasgaard, Dujon Sterling, Ridvan Yilmaz and Rabbi Matondo.

Mikey Moore is still awaiting international clearance but will be available for Saturday's match with Alloa Athletic.

Jose Cifuentes, Ben Davies and Clinton Nsiala are all unregistered for Europe.


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Here are our contributors predicted XI’s:

Jack Cranmer

Butland; Tavernier, Djiga, Souttar, Jefte; Raskin, Cameron, Dowell; Antman, Gassama, Dessers

I think Martin makes changes for tonight but perhaps not the same ones the fans would make.

Max Aarons was very underwhelming on Saturday, and I think the captain James Tavernier comes back into the starting lineup.

I see Raskin replacing Rothwell in the 6 positions, with Diomande also dropping out. I think after his post-match comments Kieran Dowell will get the chance to come in from the start, but this is really the last chance for the former Norwich City man to make any sort of impression.

Front three shouldn’t change despite Dessers poor showing against Dundee.

Bryan Watson

Butland; Aarons, Djiga, Souttar, Jefte; Rothwell, Raskin, Cameron; Gassama, Antman, Dessers

I think the backline is set as is the front three. I would like to see Nico Raskin and Joe Rothwell paired together to see if they can improve as a duo.

Other than that I do not envisage many changes.

David Marshall

Butland; Aarons, Djiga, Souttar, Jefte; Rothwell, Raskin, Cameron; Gassama, Antman, Dessers

I’m a bit puzzled about what Martin will do tonight. I can see changes but not too many, I think Bryan has named the team spot on.