Premiership giants Rangers will be looking to progress into the third qualifying round of this season’s UEFA Europa League when they travel to Gibraltar to take on the Lincoln Red Imps. The home side boast a name that is renowned around Scotland for being the team that picked up a shock victory against Celtic in Brendan Rodgers’ first game in charge. Rangers will now have to overcome the same challenge on the back of the comfortable 4-0 win that they picked up against Dundee United.
Team News
Lincoln Red Imps
As far as injuries go, the home side are almost at full-strength for this exciting European encounter. One of the biggest concerns that manager William could have about his squad is the lack of match-sharpness. The Red Imps played their last competitive fixture all the way back at the end of August, meaning that fitness could be an issue for some of the players. With no new COVID-19 cases reported by the club and the positive news of Graeme Torrilla’s return to fitness, the Red Imps are likely to be well-drilled and prepared for the task that lies ahead.
Predicted Lineup: Soler; Wiseman, Chipolina, Lopes, Britto; Sergeant, Yahaya, Torrilla; Gomez, Casciaro, Hernandez
Rangers
The Ibrox club have been the subject of several unfortunate injuries over recent weeks, with the win against Dundee United laying witness to three players picking up knocks over the course of the ninety. Leon Balogun was forced out of the match during the warm-ups after he felt a niggle, while Alfredo Morelos, Brandon Barker and Ryan Jack all exited the fixture prematurely. Joe Aribo is another name that’s expected to remain on the sidelines for a while, while Jermain Defoe is still on the road to recovery.
Predicted Lineup: McLaughlin; Tavernier, Goldson, Edmundson, Barisic; Arfield, Kamara; Stewart, Hagi, Kent, Itten
Here Is The Lincoln Red Imps Vs Rangers Tactical Preview:
Lincoln Red Imps Vs Rangers Tactical Preview
Talking Tactics
Lincoln Red Imps
The Gibraltar based side are one of the most successful clubs in the history of the nation, and the win against Celtic a few years ago was arguably their most memorable. The home side boast an extremely close-knit group of players who are willing to work their socks off for each other. Defensively compact and capable of soaking up large amounts of pressure, expect the Red Imps to utilise a counter-attacking system for this fixture. The wide-men will provide the width and pace that they need to effectively breakaway from what is sure to be a weakened Rangers setup.
Rangers
With a number of key players out, Gerrard could use this opportunity to give some of the fringe players in the squad some much-needed game-time. With that said though, if the gaffer was to underestimate the opposition and play a second-string side, they could live to regret it. Rangers will have to be patient with their attacking play as the home side will likely put all ten outfield players behind the ball and attempt to frustrate the Scottish giants. Keeping their heads and ensuring that they remain calm through the ninety could be vital to the Gers achieving their target at the end of this fixture.
Key Men
Lincoln Red Imps
The team-work and determination that this promising group of players showcase is undoubtedly their biggest asset, but that takes nothing away from the importance of midfield man Graeme Torrilla. The Gibraltar international, despite being just 23-years-old, has gradually developed into a vital part of the Red Imps’ setup.
Rangers
For all the good work that has been done by summer signing Kemar Roofe over recent weeks, it must be conceded that none of it would have been possible if it wasn’t for the sensational play of Ryan Kent down the flank. The former Liverpool man’s pace and direct nature could become a real cause for concern for the home side.
