Slavia Prague did what many considered to be unlikely in the previous round by beating Leicester City away from home to qualify for this stage of the Europa League. They will be looking to achieve the same feat at Ibrox on Thursday against Rangers.
Europa League Preview
Slavia Prague have highlighted throughout the Europa League that they aren’t a side that opponents should take lightly. They shocked Europe by knocking out Leicester City in the previous round, as they beat the Foxes 2-1 at the King Power Stadium. It will be a slightly different challenge for them this week, as they will come up against a Rangers side that will be full of confidence after recently winning the SPL title. To make it harder, they also have the disadvantage of having given Rangers an away goal in the first leg meeting between the sides last week.
Many will still consider Rangers as the side that will progress through this tie, but they will need to be at their best to avoid the same fate that awaited Leicester City. Gers managed to recover after going 1-0 down early in the first leg, as Filip Helander scored just half an hour after Nicolae Stanciu had put Prague ahead. Prague still had their chances tow in the game in that first leg meeting between the sides, as they had 12 shots in the game, which was double the amount that Rangers managed. The pattern of the game may be slightly different back at Ibrox, as it is unlikely that Steven Gerrard’s side will allow Prague to dominate the ball like they did in the first leg. But, that could play into Slavia’s hands.
Rangers vs Slavia Prague Team News
Slavia will have a number of injury issues for this game at Ibrox. Ibrahim Traore, Petr Sevcik and David Horvorka will all be unable to play against Rangers. The Gers will still be without important first-team players Ryan Jack and James Tavernier for the return game between the sides.
Rangers vs Slavia Prague Prediction
This is one of the hardest Europa League games to call this week, as Slavia stunned Leicester in the previous round. Rangers will look to put the game out of reach as quickly as possible, but we could see this game going into extra-time, with Slavia shocking the favourites once again.
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