Rangers will travel to Allianz Stadion to take on Rapid Wien in their final Europa League group game of the season. The group is wide open as all four teams are in with a chance to progress, and the Gers have matters in their own hands as a win is going to see them through to the knockout stage.
Not many would have seen this coming when the Gers started their European journey in July. Gerrard would like to continue their run in Europe beyond December, but their recent result against the Premiership strugglers would be looming large as they dropped two crucial points against ten men Dundee.
In the previous leg, Rangers managed an exciting 3-1 win at Ibrox against their Austrian rivals and the Bears would be looking for a similar performance on Thursday night.
Team News
Ryan Kent and Borna Barisic were back in the last game after their injury, and they should be in contention to start. Jamie Murphy and Graham Dorrans are going to miss out due to their long-term injuries. Apart from that, Gerrard should have a strong squad to choose from here.
Rangers predicted lineup vs Rapid Wien
Formation (4-3-3)
Defence
Once again the Gers will be banking heavily on Allan McGregor in goal. The centre-back partnership had been a matter of concern in the last few games, and because of constant rotation, one isn’t sure what’s the best pair the team have currently. We think Gerrard might go in with the likes of Gareth McAuley and Connor Goldson. Joe Worrall might miss out because of his poor displays. Even Goldson is a candidate for being dropped if we look at recent form but we expect him to keep his place.
The significant boost should be Croatian left-back Borna Barisic’s comeback. He will have a massive role to play down the left side of the defence. James Tavernier will need to be at his best if the Gers want to come out of this tie victorious. He will start as the right back.
Midfield
Ryan Jack should start in the defensive midfield role, and he too would have a massive part to play in keeping it tight at the back. Ovie Ejaria and Scott Arfield are likely to complete the midfield three, leaving Lassana Coulibaly on the bench.
Attack
Ryan Kent’s comeback from injury is also a significant boost for the club, and he is expected to start from the left. Daniel Candeias is likely to keep his place on the right.
Gerrard would hope that Alfredo Morelos can keep his cool in the game and the Colombian is expected to lead the line once again. He should be looking to make up for his performance against Dundee and nothing would be better than turning up for this big game.
