(Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media, Imago)

Ciaran Morrison

Mon 4 August 2025 19:00, UK

Rangers are back in Champions League qualifying action and after his fiery comments post Motherwell, manager Russell Martin may ring the changes.

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The Gers were heavily criticised for their performance in their 1-1 draw at Motherwell, which opened their Scottish Premiership campaign.

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.

Russell Martin’s league campaign got off to a poor start.

(Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)

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.

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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.

How Rangers could line-up v Viktoria Plzen.



Apperances20Goals2Assists4Moore’s record in all competitions at Spurs in the 2024/25 season.

Rangers lacked width and threat down the flanks against Motherwell, which Moore would have been able to add.

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.

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