Spartak Moscow v Rangers is normally a tie that fans might be conservative about, but given the circumstances, this is one Rangers should be looking to win.
In the return fixture at Ibrox, Rangers laboured to a 0-0 draw. It kickstarted a pretty awful week for the Gers.
Rangers eventually stopped the rot against St. Mirren, and they need to keep it going tonight.
We struggled to break a well-organised Spartak down and when we did, didn’t make the right decision in the final third. We were also painfully unlucky not to nick it right at the death. That might’ve kickstarted Eros Grezda’s Ibrox career too.
But the much talked about winger should definitely get his chance tonight. After Ryan Kent was ruled out, Grezda will surely get the nod ahead of the young Glenn Middleton.
At the back, I expect Andy Halliday will retain his place with Jon Flanagan looking unsure at left back recently.
In the middle, Coulibaly will surely come back in after a breather. The midfielder is short of form at present but he is a physical and mobile presence in midfield.
This is going to be a tough game in a tough ground, but if Rangers start well we can take advantage of Spartak’s poor form. Caretaker Manager Raul Riancho has been bemoaning the attitude of the club’s fans at home, as they sunk to a fourth home league defeat at the weekend.
With Spartak opening up to try get a much needed win, there might just be more space for Rangers to utilise this time round. As Kyle Lafferty is ruled out, a lot of Rangers success will rest on Alfredo Morelos’ shoulders.
If Rangers can go for the throat here, we can get the fans on Spartak Moscow’s back.
Plus, we’ve already had a huge result in Russia this season.
Here’s the XI to do it.
