Rangers are in Denmark for the Europa League clash with Brondby as the Ibrox side looks to take another step closer to the competition’s knockout stages.
If the Gers can escape with three points from the Brondby Stadium – and Sparta Prague fail to beat Lyon – then Steven Gerrard’s side can qualify with a win against the Czechs later this month.
But before we can look ahead to that clash at Ibrox Rangers must take care of business in Denmark with the Gers promised an electric atmosphere against Brondby.
Rangers head into the match on the back of a 6-1 thrashing against Motherwell with spirits certainly high in the camp.
The Bears have headed out to Denmark with Fashion Sakala’s chant ringing in their heads and now every pub in Copenhagen is set to be blessed with it over the next 24 hours.
We’ll come to the Zambian’s potential presence in the starting XI but first let’s look at the defence.
Allan McGregor – who will be used sparingly by Rangers this season by Steven Gerrard’s own admission – is expected to start between the sticks.
Rangers captain James Tavernier is a man on form, so we expect him to start alongside Connor Goldson and the increasingly important Leon Balogun.
Gerrard confirmed that Borna Barisic could be fit enough to play Brondby but we’re backing Calvin Bassey to retain his place given our recent track record with these predictions.
With doubts regarding “50/50” Glen Kamara, we suspect the hardy Finnish international to overcome a series of kicks to make the XI.
Alongside him, Steven Davis was fantastic against Motherwell and we’re back him to start alongside Scott Arfield.
Up top, Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos will play alongside Joe Aribo with Fashion Sakala getting the nod despite the imminent return of £7m Ryan Kent, who we expect to be on the bench.
Yes, you are right. This is the exact same XI which took part in the thrashing of Motherwell at the weekend.
Brondby v Rangers – Rangers starting XI – 4-3-3
GK – Allan McGregor
DR – James Tavernier
DC – Connor Goldson
DC – Leon Balogun
DL – Calvin Bassey
CDM – Steven Davis
CM – Scott Arfield
CM – Glen Kamara
RF – Joe Aribo
LF – Fashion Sakala
ST – Alfredo Morelos