Premier Sports have confirmed their intention to screen Rangers’ upcoming Europa League qualifying fixture against Lincoln Red Imps FC.
The Gers found out on Monday that they had received a trip to Gibraltar as their first European assignment of the 2020/21 campaign.
Rangers are set to return to Europa League action in a fortnight. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Steven Gerrard’s men went all the way to the Last 16 last season before crashing out to a strong Bayer Leverkusen side, but they have three tough rounds of one-leg qualifying to get through before they reach the competition proper again.
RONALDO NEEDS TO STOP WHINING.
Usually, Rangers would be able to count on a sizeable contingent of away supporters to help them through potential banana skin away fixtures, but with UEFA declaring no fans will be allowed in stadia during their club competitions in September, the players will have to go it alone for the foreseeable future.
Rangers will have to go it alone both at home and away during the Europa League qualifiers. (Photo by Mark Fletcher/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
At least Bears will be able to tune in on TV, though, following Premier Sports’ announcement.
The broadcaster confirmed their intention to host the clash on 17 September, although they were not yet in a position to provide a confirmed kick-off time.
The UEFA website currently states that the match is due to begin at 4pm.
🇬🇮 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝘀 𝘃𝘀 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀 🔵
📅 We are delighted to announce we will be showing live coverage of @RangersFC's 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗮 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗲 𝟮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗿 on 17th September!
⏱ Kick-off TBC pic.twitter.com/9kkvjzh3Jj
— Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) September 2, 2020
Rangers are heavy favourites going into the clash, given their performances in this competition over the last two seasons and their opponent’s lack of European pedigree.
However, Lincoln did produce a shock home win over Celtic back in 2016 and are regularly crowned champions of the Gibraltar Premier Division.
The Gers have had difficulties playing on artificial surfaces in the past, too, so they cannot afford to take this second round qualifier lightly.