Rangers take on Legia Warsaw in the Polish capital this evening, in the first leg of their Europa League Qualifying Playoff Round tie.
Having seen off St Joseph’s of Gibraltar, Progres Niederkorn of Luxembourg and FC Midtjylland of Denmark, things shift up a gear once more for Steven Gerrard’s side.
Not only do they face a well-organised opposition this time around, but also a hostile away atmosphere.
While Legia have struggled to score goals of their own, they are yet to concede in six European encounters this season.
Legia Warsaw vs Rangers – Gerrard’s XI
Therefore, it’s no surprise to see the manager ring the changes from Sunday’s League Cup win over East Fife. Only Joe Aribo survives from that team, with a host of big names returning.
At centre-back, Nikola Katic beats off the challenge of Filip Helander to line up alongside Connor Goldson.
In midfield, Steven Davis and Ryan Jack join Aribo.
Out wide, Sheyi Ojo gets the nod, while a well-rested Alfredo Morelos leads the line.
It’s a selection that’s gone down well with Gers fans, who’re optimistic of a big away result. The strength of the bench drew particular praise, too, with Foderingham, Helander, Barisic, Kamara, King, Jones and Defoe all named.
Scoring at least one away goal is crucial, but if Rangers can take a lead back to Ibrox, they’ll be in great shape to reach to the competition proper.
Here’s a selection of reactions to the starting XI:
https://twitter.com/speak_heard/status/1164578350351945730
https://twitter.com/Laing1974/status/1164577798176104448
https://twitter.com/AlexMcL_18/status/1164578816850874368
https://twitter.com/marilynne_1/status/1164578791823425536
https://twitter.com/Dave_McLeish/status/1164579931650744322
https://twitter.com/A__72__M/status/1164578244034740224
https://twitter.com/Cairo1872/status/1164580371654201350
https://twitter.com/tjeverett1872/status/1164580765142794240
