While Rangers experienced a blip in their domestic form last week – emerging from fixtures against Aberdeen and Dundee with just a solitary point – they will still take confidence into tonights’s fixture in Vienna.
That confidence comes from already beating the same opposition, at Ibrox, in October.
Alfredo Morelos and James Tavernier grabbed the goals on the night, but the Gers’ overall team performance was strong.
Unfortunately, two key members of the starting XI from that night will miss this evening’s fixture. Daniel Candeias and Ryan Kent.
Candeias’ red card against Villarreal means he misses out through suspension, while Kent injured his hamstring on Sunday.
As these creative players are the first choice wingers on each side, it’s a major blow.
The good news, is that Rangers have like for like replacements for both: Glenn Middleton and Eros Grezda.
The bad news, is that neither are in great form.
Quality of service must improve
Grezda huffed and puffed, but ultimately produced absolutely zero quality in the final third against Dundee. Middleton can be spared some criticism as he only joined the action for the second half, yet, he too, created little.
That pattern will need to change tonight. Both players are capable on their day, as they have shown in flashes this season. Last month, Middleton was excellent at Spartak, while Grezda stood out against Motherwell.
They need to reproduce the very best of that form if they are to deputise successfully against Rapid.
With four league goals between them this year, they have proven they can chip in. However, ultimately it’s the quality of their service to Morelos, which may decide Rangers’ European fate in Vienna.
