Rangers Prepare for Crucial UEFA Europa Conference League Playoff Against Jablonec
After a narrow victory at Ibrox in the first leg, Rangers will head to Czechia to face FK Jablonec in the return leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League playoff. The match remains open, and the Glasgow club must take lessons from their fierce rivals Celtic, who squandered a four-goal lead against LASK in their Champions League playoff match on Tuesday.
Derek McInnes, the Rangers manager, has bounced back from a poor start by achieving two consecutive wins in various competitions. The Light Blues opted to postpone their domestic league match, scheduled between the two legs of their European tie, and need a positive result on Thursday to keep their European ambitions alive.
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Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Jablonec
Defence
Rangers have brought in Ivor Pandur, who helped Hull City secure Premier League promotion as their new ‘number 1’ in a player-plus-cash deal involving Jack Butland. The Croatian keeper registered his first clean sheet last week and is expected to deliver another strong showing to help the team reach the league phase of the competition.
Versatile Dujon Sterling is likely to start down the right flank ahead of Ross McCrorie and Kosta Nedeljković. South African centre-half Olwethu Makhanya has performed well in the absence of Ben Godfrey due to injury and will partner Emmanuel Fernandez at the heart of the defence. James Penrice has quickly made an impact since his transfer from AEK Athens, and is expected to retain his left fullback position while Tuur Rommens deals with a groin strain that sidelines him for several weeks.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 20: Matej Polidar of Jablonec is challenged by Vanja Dragojevic of Rangers during the UEFA Conference League 2026/27 Play Off Round First Leg match between Rangers and Jablonec at Ibrox Stadium on August 20, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
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Midfield
Nicolas Raskin may leave the club before the transfer deadline, having been an unused substitute in the previous match due to a minor injury. He is expected to demonstrate his commitment to the team as a farewell gesture. Cammy Devlin, who received a red card for a reckless challenge, leaves the team with multiple options in midfield. Vanja Dragojevic is likely to be favored over Connor Barron and Dan Neil for a starting spot.
McInnes has utilized Tochi Chukwuani in a more advanced position, combining creativity with defensive responsibility. The Danish midfielder has added flair to the team, alongside Daisuke Yokota, who has revitalized the right side of the attack. Djeidi Gassama’s skillful runs may see him starting on the left flank, while Thelo Aasgaard and Findlay Curtis could provide attacking options from the bench.
Attack
Youssef Chermiti’s ACL injury poses a significant challenge for Rangers. However, Ryan Naderi’s scoring form offers some consolation for the manager, especially with Lawrence Shankland’s slow adaptation to Glasgow. Bojan Miovski may also be called upon from the bench should the need arise to strengthen the attacking line.
After a narrow win at Ibrox in the first leg, Rangers will travel to Czechia to face FK Jablonec in the return leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League playoff. The contest remains wide open, and the Glasgow giants must learn from the horror show of their bitter rivals Celtic, who gave away a four-goal cushion against LASK in the Champions League playoff round on Tuesday night.
Derek McInnes has recovered from a dreadful start as the Rangers boss, claiming back-to-back wins across competitions. The Light Blues exercised their right to postpone the weekend’s domestic league game scheduled between the two legs of their European tie, and they must secure a favourable outcome on Thursday night to keep their hopes in Europe alive.
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Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Jablonec
Defence
Ivor Pandur, who helped Hull City earn Premier League promotion, has been roped in as the new ‘number 1’ in a player-plus-cash swap involving Jack Butland. The Croatian grabbed his first clean sheet last midweek and should deliver another resolute performance to secure a place in the competition’s league phase.
Versatile Dujon Sterling must get the nod down the right ahead of Ross McCrorie and Kosta Nedeljković. Olwethu Makhanya has done well amid Ben Godfrey’s injury absence, and the South African centre-half is expected to partner with Emmanuel Fernandez once again in the heart of the backline. James Penrice has made an immediate impact since arriving from AEK Athens. The Scotsman should keep his left fullback spot, with Tuur Rommens sidelined for weeks with a groin strain.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 20: Matej Polidar of Jablonec is challenged by Vanja Dragojevic of Rangers during the UEFA Conference League 2026/27 Play Off Round First Leg match between Rangers and Jablonec at Ibrox Stadium on August 20, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
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Midfield
Nicolas Raskin is likely to leave the club before the transfer deadline day. He remained an unused substitute in the reverse fixture due to a slight niggle, but should exhibit his professionalism to get the Gers over the line as a parting gift. Cammy Devlin received a marching order for a horrendous challenge. However, they have ample options in the centre of the pitch, with Vanja Dragojevic likely to be preferred over Connor Barron and Dan Neil.
McInnes has deployed Tochi Chukwuani in a slightly advanced role. In addition to showing his creative spark as a midfielder, the Danish ace often drops deep to provide defensive composure. Daisuke Yokota has been a breath of fresh air, bringing flair and finesse from the right. Djeidi Gassama’s tricky runs and swift footwork could see him earn another start from the opposite flank. Thelo Aasgaard and Findlay Curtis could be involved from the bench as wide attacking or ‘number 10’ alternatives.
Attack
Youssef Chermiti’s ACL injury is a massive blow for Rangers. But Ryan Naderi’s scoring run must be a relief for the gaffer, given Lawrence Shankland’s slow start in Glasgow. Bojan Miovski might also be introduced from the bench if the situation demands his presence up top.
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