Rangers face Jablonec at Ibrox in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League play-off, with the tie determining whether they continue in European competition this season.
The Ibrox side dropped into the third-tier competition after a defeat to Jagiellonia Bialystok in Europa League qualifying. There are no further parachutes for Derek McInnes and his men, so they must advance past the Czech side, who are back in European competition for the first time in four years.
Team Selection and Predicted XI
McInnes faces a decision on whether to stick with the formation that produced a strong attacking display in Sunday's Premier Sports Cup win over St Mirren, where he dropped a striker for an extra midfielder. Ryan Naderi started as the central frontman in that match, and the German is likely to retain his place, leaving club captain Lawrence Shankland on the bench. McInnes has told Shankland that the armband does not guarantee a start.
Thelo Aasgaard is available again after suspension, while Tochi Chukwuani, Nico Raskin and Vanja Dragojevic worked well as a three against St Mirren. Kosta Nedeljkovic, on loan from Aston Villa, could make his debut at right back after being added to the Conference League squad, along with fellow new signing James Penrice.
Transfer Talk: Cerny and Raskin
Rangers have held talks with Besiktas over a move for former loan star Vaclav Cerny, but fear they will be priced out of a deal. The Turkish club are holding firm on an £8million valuation of the 28-year-old winger, who is on an annual salary worth more than £2million. Cerny is understood to be keen on a return to Scotland, but would have to take a substantial wage cut. Ibrox boss McInnes is desperate to beef up his attacking options after a move for PSV's Couhaib Driouech collapsed last week due to an injury issue flagged in his medical, while Brighton rejected a £7.5m bid for Amario Cozier-Duberry.
Meanwhile, Fenerbahce have reportedly initiated contact with Rangers over a potential deal for midfielder Nicolas Raskin. Sources in Italy state Atalanta and Bologna are keen on signing the Belgian, while Villarreal and Real Betis have also been mentioned. Reports in Turkey suggest Fenerbahce are eyeing a deal for around €17million (£14.5million).
McCoist's Concerns
Ally McCoist has expressed fears of Rangers dropping out of Europe completely, just over four years after the club lost the Europa League final in a penalty shootout. Speaking to talkSPORT Bet slots site, McCoist said: "I'm concerned about Rangers. Rangers not in Europe is unthinkable. No European football would be absolutely unthinkable. Looking at the team the last couple of years, it breaks my heart to say it. For a team that was a penalty kick probably away from winning the Europa League."
McCoist added: "Rangers have slipped, there's no doubt about it. Rangers have slipped. I use the word slipped, they've probably cascaded off a mountain to be honest with you, to where we are now. Being brutally honest with you, the last two or three years and this isn't down to Derek McInnes, I think the last two or three years we've looked like a Conference League side."
The Conference League playoff is now huge for Rangers, who must win to secure European football at Ibrox this season.
