Rangers go into the tie in Russia knowing that one goal in Ufa will mean they need to score three.
As it stands, Rangers should expect a real challenge from the Russians on their own patch. The Russian Premier League side will fancy their chances and Rangers will need to be on the top of their game to get a win.
If Rangers do manage to get a result in Russia, it’ll be the first time they’ve been in Europe proper for seven years.
Some expected changes
Following on from results away against Osijek and Maribor, I expect Gerrard to return to the 4-3-2-1 that’s served him so well on the road.
Barisic drops out as he is cup-tied, with Halliday dropping out in place of the experienced Arfield. I’d expect Coulibaly to start but it’s looking increasingly unlikely he will. The impressive Ejaria will continue, and Lafferty drops out with the system change.
This, by-and-large, has been the side that’s saw us through in these big away days and I expect Gerrard to keep that resolute, winning shape in this one.
Predicted XI to play Ufa
GK – MCGREGOR
DR – TAVERNIER
DC – KATIC
DC – GOLDSON
DL – FLANAGAN
CDM – JACK
CM – EJARIA
CM – ARFIELD
RW – CANDEIAS
LW – KENT
ST – MORELOS
