Rangers v Sparta live commentary: Van Bronckhorst to take charge of first game

The Dutchman replaced Steven Gerrard, who is now Aston Villa boss, at the helm last week and has been tasked with delivering instant results.

Van Bronckhorst previously spent three seasons at Ibrox as a player and watched Rangers crash out of the Scottish League Cup on Sunday from the stands.

He will now be in the dugout as the Gers host Sparta Prague with both teams battling to finish in second behind Lyon in Group A.

Rangers v Sparta Prague: Date and time

The Europa League clash is set to take place on Thursday, November 25.

It will be played at Ibrox, Glasgow with a a UK kick-off time of 8pm.

Both teams are level on four points, with Sparta ahead on both goal difference and head-to-head having won 1-0 in the reverse fixture in September.

Rangers v Sparta Prague: talkSPORT commentary

This tie will be broadcast live and exclusive on talkSPORT 2.

Commentary will get underway immediately after West Ham's trip to Rapid Vienna as part of talkSPORT's Europa League double-bill.

Coverage from the later kick-off will come from Andy Bargh and former Rangers midfielder Charlie Adam.

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2, click HERE for the live stream.

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Rangers v Sparta Prague: Team news

The home side have a number of absentees for Thursday's game, with Filip Helander (knee) and Nnamdi Ofoborh (heart condition) both ruled out.

Kemar Roofe is also doubtful after he missed the 3-1 defeat to Hibernian due to picking up a knock while on international duty.

Alfredo Morelos and Fashion Sakala are also both one booking away from a suspension.

Sparta meanwhile will be without Lukas Julis (groin), Casper Hojer (calf), Filip Soucek (knee), Matej Polidar (muscle) and Ondrej Celustka (knee) due to injury.

Manager Pavel Vrba will also have to contend without David Moberg Karlsson and Ladislav Krejci as both are unavailable through illness.

Rangers v Sparta Prague: What has been said?

Van Bronckhorst: "I think they are ready. It's a new start for them as well with me coming in as the new manager.

"Of course, we are disappointed with the weekend, but all we do is look positively to tomorrow (Thursday).

"They worked hard and they looked fresh and sharp.

"We are well prepared for the game and will go for a good result because we want to still be in Europe after Christmas."