Rangers travel to Belgrade to take on 32-time Serbian champions Red Star Belgrade in the second leg of their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday.
The Scottish champions have one foot in the quarterfinals of the competition following their resounding 3-0 win at Ibrox in the first leg.
Goals from James Tavernier, Alfredo Morelos and Leon Balogun put Rangers in firm control of the tie, but Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side were given plenty of scares along the way, with the visitors having three goals ruled out for offside.
Red Star, on their part, would be looking to become just the second team to overturn a three-goal first-leg deficit in the Europa League after Valencia in 2013-14.
Red Star Belgrade vs Rangers – Team News
Red Star Belgrade
Dejan Stankovic has almost a full squad at his disposal. Veljko Nikolic is the only absentee, although as many as seven players are a yellow card away from missing the next match.
Rangers
For the hosts, both Ianis Hagi and Nnamdi Ofoborh are sidelined through injuries. Ryan Kent picked up a minor knock in the 3-0 win against Dundee last time out, but he’s expected to play.
đŸ‡·đŸ‡¸ Tomorrow Evening’s venue.#UEL pic.twitter.com/LfnvQ6zRFX
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) March 16, 2022
Aaron Ramsey has returned from injury, but will likely have to settle for a spot on the bench. Leon Balogun scored in the first leg and could replace Filip Helander, who started in central defence against Dundee.
Red Star Belgrade vs Rangers – Predicted lineups
Red Star Belgrade predicted starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Borjan; Piccini, Erakovic, Dragovic, Rodic; Sanogo, Srnic; Katai, Kanga, Ivanic; Omoijuanfo
Rangers predicted starting lineup (4-2-3-1): McGregor; Tavernier, Goldson, Balogun, Bassey; Lundstram, Jack, Kamara; Aribo, Morelos, Kent
Red Star Belgrade vs Rangers – Key Players
Red Star Belgrade – Aleksandar Katai
Katai had a night to forget at the Ibrox in the first leg. The Serb had two goals disallowed for offside and also missed a penalty. But he remains one of Red Star’s most important players from an attacking standpoint. The 31-year-old has scored 23 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions this season.
Rangers – James Tavernier
Tavernier has found himself on the scoresheet surprisingly often for a right-back. The Rangers captain has netted twice and provided an assist in his last two games and is the catalyst for most of the Scottish champions’ attacks.
Prediction: Red Star Belgrade 1-1 Rangers
