Shocked Rangers fans have responded on social media after the Gers starting XI to face Sparta Prague was confirmed.
Steven Gerrard’s men are taking on the Czech giants at the Letna Stadium in front of a 10,000-strong crowd mainly made up of children.
Filip Helander, Ryan Jack and Ryan Kent were all ruled out well in advance through injury while in a late surprise, vice-captain Connor Goldson didn’t travel.
Goldson’s absence has forced a reshuffle in defence.
Allan McGregor replaces Jon McLaughlin between the sticks, while James Tavernier, Leon Balogun and Calvin Bassey continue, but Bassey shifts to centre-back and Borna Barisic comes in at left-back.
In midfield, Glen Kamara keeps his spot, while there’s a return for Steven Davis and a first-ever Rangers start for Juninho Bacuna.
Surprisingly, Alfredo Morelos and Ianis Hagi have both been left on the bench, with Gerrard opting for a front three of Joe Aribo, Kemar Roofe and Fashion Sakala.
Few Rangers fans saw this starting XI coming.
Plenty are delighted that Bacuna has finally been handed a start but many are puzzled by the omissions of key men Alfredo Morelos and Ianis Hagi.
Here’s a selection of reactions from Twitter:
Ahead of kick-off, check out our Preview Video over on the Rangers News YouTube channel.
