Spartak Moscow vs Rangers is going to provide the visitors with a huge opportunity to get to within touching distance of qualification.
Steven Gerrard’s men take the daunting trip to Russia to face a side they never have away from home. Despite Rangers having 12 meetings with Russian opposition prior to this season, none of those have been against Spartak.
Rangers come into the game on the back of a tough week for the club. It’s fair to say this has been Gerrard’s toughest spell in charge at Ibrox so far. A defeat to Aberdeen in the colossal Betfred Cup semi-final was followed up with a draw at home to Kilmarnock.
Some pride was salvaged as the Gers got themselves back on track against St Mirren. The 2-0 success will hopefully see Rangers grow in confidence ahead of Thursday night, but Gerrard has some thinking to do.
His first big decision is whether to keep Andy Halliday in the side after the weekend. The previously highly-crticised Rangers star was superb in Paisley, and is a natural left-back. Halliday has featured there throughout his career, and looked in his element against the Buddies.
Flanagan or Halliday?
Borna Barisic continues to be a doubt with his knee injury. If he’s out it’s unthinkable to throw Jon Flanagan in who has had several disappointing outings as a full-back. He’s struggled immensely in his last two matches against Aberdeen and Kilmarnock, with Halliday now the man in-form. Gerrard should pick the Scotsman, but it remains up in the air.
His second big decision is whether to reintroduce Lassana Coulibaly. The Rangers midfield have failed to impress over the last week, as they’ve struggled to create enough going forward.
The problem for Coulibaly is that, individually, it’s difficult to criticise anyone in the engine room. Ryan Jack has been terrific since returning to the side, whilst Ovie Ejaria continues to impress. The latter has stated a desire for more goals and assists, but he remains a solid performer.
Scott Arfield has struggled to make much of an impact in recent matches. The Canada star has supported the attack well, but is struggling to make things happen when he gets there. Coulibaly, however, won’t be replacing him either.
The one guaranteed change Gerrard will make is Daniel Candeias for Eros Grezda. The former was ridiculously sent off in Paisley, whilst Grezda didn’t have a memorable debut.
Whilst there’s still plenty of time for Grezda to make an impact, this isn’t a game to be trying new things. Therefore, Candeias should take his place in the side once more, especially after notching the opener on Saturday.
With that in mind, here is our predicted Rangers line-up in Russia:
