What do Rangers still need to do to qualify for the Europa League knockout stages?
Philippe Clement and his coaching staff are back in action in the Europa League this week. They take on Cypriot side Aris Limassol this Thursday in what could be a crucial fixture.
He will be hoping his first-team squad secure the three points and edge closer to that elusive knockout qualification – which is now within touching distance.
So just what do the Gers need to do to obtain Europa League qualification? What are the best and worst scenarios?
If Rangers win, their destiny is sealed
If Clement’s side wins, they are guaranteed Europa League football after Christmas. Any win would put them out of reach and into the knockout stages regardless of what happens in the other game.
This, essentially, means their destiny is in their own hands. A win against Aris Limassol will seal their fate.
If Rangers draw, it’s up to other results
If the Gers’ result ends in a draw – their hopes rest on the other sides in the group.
They will be hoping Sparta Prague don’t beat Real Betis – which would ultimately leave them far enough clear in second place to be sure of their spot in the knockout stages.
If Rangers lose, there’s some reason to panic
If Clement’s team fall to a second straight defeat to the Cypriots, then there is definitely some reason to panic.
Should Sparta fail to beat Betis, Limassol with their win would be bound into third place and occupy the Europa Conference League spot, with the Gers remaining in second heading into the final matchday. So all is still well.
However, the worst possible combination of results were to be if Sparta beat Betis and Rangers lost. This would mean the Gers would sit third, with a tough last fixture and the Cypriots just one point behind them.
