Rangers are preparing to welcome Belgian side Standard Liege to Ibrox as Steven Gerrard’s team look to secure safe passage to the Europa League round of 32.
The Ibrox club is currently top of Group D in the competition and will be hoping to continue their fine form in Europe with victory over Phillipe Montanier’s side.
The Gers have 8 points from their opening four games in the group and will go through as group winners if they can match or better Benfica’s results in the final two games.
This would hand the Gers a considerable advantage in the Round of 32 draw, where the club would avoid Europa League group winners and the best sides dropping down from the Champions League.
By the same token, Standard Liege need a victory in order to keep their faint qualification hopes alive.
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard will be keen to see his side maintain their excellent form this season with the Gers now unbeaten in 23 games this season.
The Gers go into this match with a few notable absentees, Ryan Jack missing the club’s last two matches and Joe Aribo still recovering from a stomach bug.
Ibrox defender Filip Helander – a regular in this competition – is also self-isolating after testing positive for the coronavirus.
With Rangers eyeing a low-pressure trip to Poland against Lech Poznan, expect the club to go full strength in this one to get qualification over the line for the group stages.
Standard have boosted by the fact none of their players have registered a positive Covid test – they had six stars out for Rangers’ 2-0 win in Belgium – but there has been some infighting ahead of the match.
Star striker Obbi Oularé openly criticised coach Montanier after being dropped for the match with Anderlecht but will miss the match with Rangers due to suspension [Daily Record].
The striker was sent off in the club’s 2-1 win over Lech Poznan in Liege last week.
Here’s how we fancy Rangers to line up as they look to secure a place in Europe beyond Christmas: