Preview: Rangers vs Sparta Prague

Sparta Prague Travel to Ibrox for a crucial group stage match

Players such as Gigi Buffon, Alessandro Del Piero, and Didier Drogba have hailed the Ibrox crowd before now. The players talk about the intensity of the fans and the commotion it causes in the first 15 minutes. Del Piero mentions the respect he felt despite the support behind the Rangers side.

It is an atmosphere like those players remember that will be needed today if Rangers are to overcome their group rivals. Both teams go into the match on 4-points after a draw in the reverse fixture two weeks ago. Neither team can progress into the next round tonight but they will be hoping that Real Betis can beat Aris Limassol in the other match to ease the pressure.

It was an edgy encounter in Prague, although a big difference this time out is Phillipe Clement has had more time to develop his instructions on the squad. Since the 0-0 draw Rangers have played three matches and won all three, this includes reaching the League Cup final. The Gers have scored ten goals in these matches and conceded two – one was a penalty. Disregarding the results, the team themself have been performing a lot better since players have been coming back from injury, none more so than Danilo.

Danilo is back and firing

The Brazillian striker has scored in two of the last three matches and got an assist as well as winning a penalty in the semi-final. He was also the catalyst for change in the reverse fixture despite only playing 16 minutes. It would be a surprise if he is not leading the line for Rangers tonight.

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Sparta Prague remain top of their league although they have lost one of their three games since the Rangers match. They also progressed in the cup but have conceded four goals in the three matches and only scored five. 

Rangers will be looking to create that famous Ibrox noise that we became used to during their run to the Europa League final in 2021. If they do it should be enough to see off Sparta Prague and move three points ahead of them.