Credit: Imago

Chris Smith

Mon 11 August 2025 20:00, UK

Rangers will look to take another big step toward the Champions League group stage when they travel to Viktoria Plzen on Tuesday.

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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?

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.

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.

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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.

(Credit: Buildlineup)

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.

Draws have been on the menu for Rangers in recent times, with 10 of their last 15 competitive and friendly matches ending all square.
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