RANGERS travel to the Czech Republic to face Sparta Prague as they look to get their Europa League campaign back on track.

After losing their opening group match to Lyon, a positive result would go a long way in boosting their chances of qualification.

Our writers select their XIs to take to the field.

Jonny McFarlane

A tricky away tie in Europe calls for a more diligent defensive approach and a team to match.

Prague is always a tricky place to go and while 10 thousand kids will be in attendance, there will be an advantage to Rangers in not facing the inevitable maelstrom should Sparta's ultras have been in place.

Regardless, this is not an environment for the faint of heart and Steven Gerrard is sure to go for those he can trust. At the back, you'd expect the big hitters to return with Calvin Bassey slotting in beside Balogun at the heart of the defence given Connor Goldson's failure to travel. It's a huge game for the kid, but he has the skillset to deal with whatever is thrown at him.

In midfield, John Lundstram has won hearts and minds in recent games after a sticky start and his power and muscularity will be key to this type of match.

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The other new signing Fashion Sakala could also make an appearance given how important his searing pace could be on the counter-attack.

With Ryan Kent out, the Zambian is the obvious selection so Rangers always have an out ball to hit.

Predicted line-up: McGregor, Tavernier, Barisic, Balogun, Bassey, Lundstram, Davis, Kamara, Aribo, Sakala, Morelos.

Derek Clark

Thursday night’s clash in Prague against Sparta will be a huge test for this Rangers side who have, so far, failed to really perform in Europe this season.

Last season you would be confident of the team emerging with one with not all three points but this year’s vintage look less convincing.

Teamwise, you’d imagine Allan McGregor would return in place of Jon McLaughlin despite performing well recently.

The back four should consist of James Tavernier, Calvin Bassey, Leon Balogun and Borna Barisic.

The midfield three is up for debate, Glen Kamara will start and it’s whether Steven Gerrard decides to play both John Lundstram and Steven Davis or leave one on the bench, something tells me he may play both to give the team a more defensive looking shape.

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In the forward areas, you’d imagine Alfredo Morelos will lead the line with Ianis Hagi and Joe Aribo playing supporting roles.

Predicted line-up: McGregor, Tavernier, Bassey, Balogun, Barisic, Davis, Kamara, Lundstram, Aribo, Hagi, Morelos.