Rangers travel to Jablonec needing to protect a one-goal lead from the first leg to secure league phase football this season, with Record Sport writers delivering their predictions for the decisive Champions League qualifier.
The Light Blues, under Derek McInnes, hold the advantage after Ryan Naderi's goal at Ibrox, but the Czech side are expected to improve on home soil. Rangers, who are on the brink of spending £19m on two attackers, can ill-afford to miss out on the group stage, according to the writers.
Predictions from the Record Sport team
Scott McDermott believes Jablonec barely threatened Rangers' goal in the first leg and that McInnes' men should have won by more. He suggests Ben Godfrey's return from injury would strengthen the defence, with Kosta Nedeljkovic also a possible starter. His prediction: Jablonec 0 Rangers 1.
Andy Newport expects the return leg to be uncomfortable but insists Rangers should see off the limited Czech outfit, calling league phase qualification an absolute must. His prediction: Jablonec 0 Rangers 1.
Nervy night expected in Czechia
Gavin Berry predicts a tense, nervy night with a stuffy display from Rangers, similar to the first leg, but believes Naderi's goal could prove the difference. His prediction: Jablonec 0 Rangers 0.
Scott Burns states Rangers have to get the job done, calling it an absolute disaster if McInnes does not lead his team into group stage football. He expects Jablonec to improve at home but backs Rangers to win. His prediction: Jablonec 1 Rangers 2.
Michael Gannon foresees moments of panic but expects Rangers to hurt Jablonec on the counter-attack. His prediction: Jablonec 1 Rangers 1.
Fraser Wilson anticipates a nervy night with Rangers not controlling games as they need to, but believes the one-goal cushion should be enough to edge them through. His prediction: Jablonec 1 Rangers 1.
