Preview: Rangers vs. Sparta Prague - prediction, team news, lineups

Each team has a victory and a draw so far, but with Real Betis currently above both of them there is still plenty to play for.

Match preview

Rangers have had a mixed start to their Group C campaign in the Europa League with one victory, draw, and defeat at this stage of the competition, leaving them in third place.

The Gers have only managed to score two goals across those matches, and that is ultimately why they sit behind Sparta Prague, as they have the exact same goal difference.

However, the Scottish side showcased no problems finding the back of the net last weekend when they dispatched Dundee by five goals to nil, with each one being scored by a different player.

That attacking quality will be important on Thursday night considering how close the reverse fixture was against Sparta Prague where neither team managed to score.

The goalless draw was a closely contested battle with very little to split them in terms of possession while they also had matching shots on target, which is why another close game is expected.

Considering the fact both teams could climb to the top of the group if the other result goes in their favour there is plenty to play for in this one.

However, both Sparta Prague and Rangers will have one eye over their shoulders as well with Aris Limassol only a point behind both of them.

Sparta Prague heads into this fixture on the back of consecutive victories in various competitions, and that should inject plenty of confidence into the squad overall.

However, Brian Priske's men have not managed to win a match in the Europa League since the opening match, which is something that they will need to change sooner rather than later should they wish to progress.

While they have offensively been stronger than their opponents in the competition this season, they have been weaker at the back, which is something that the Gers will be attempting to expose.

Rangers Europa League form:

W

L

D

Rangers form (all competitions):

W

W

D

W

W

W

Sparta Prague Europa League form:

L

W

W

L

D

Sparta Prague form (all competitions):

L

W

W

D

L

W

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Team News

Rangers made several changes at the weekend as Leon Balogun, Ryan Jack, Scott Wright and Danilo were all brought back into the team, and considering the positive result they could all be in contention to retain their places.

However, with four goals to his name in all competitions this season, Cyriel Dessers is another player who will be aiming to get involved from the first whistle.

For the visitors, Jan Kuchta is expected to lead the line as he continues to search for his first goal in the Europa League for this season.

Priske will likely push the 3-4-3 formation once again, providing plenty of attacking depth both centrally and out wide in a bid to cause as many problems as possible for the Gers.

Rangers possible starting lineup:

Butland; Tavernier, Goldson, Balogun, Yilmaz; Cantwell, Lundstram; Wright, Lammers, Sima; Danilo

Sparta Prague possible starting lineup:

Vindahl-Jensen; Vitik, Panak, Sorensen; Preciado, Sadilek, Kairinen, Rynes; Pesek, Kuchta, Birmancevic

We say: Rangers 2-1 Sparta Prague

There was very little so split these two teams during their previous meeting this season, and that is likely going to be the case once again this time around.

However, with Rangers on a strong run as of late in all competitions, and a home advantage, they should just take all three points here.

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