Prediction: Viktoria Plzen vs Rangers

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 29/10

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Rangers head into Tuesday’s second leg of their Champions League third-round qualifier against Viktoria Plzen holding a commanding three-goal advantage.

Despite underwhelming domestic form, the Glasgow side have excelled in Europe to this point, putting themselves within touching distance of the playoff stage.

Viktoria Plzen

While Rangers resumed domestic duty two weeks ago, Viktoria Plzen have been active in the Czech top flight for a longer period.

Last season’s runners-up opened with a 5-1 win over Pardubice and a 1-1 draw against Jablonec, before being held at home by Slovacko on Saturday. These league fixtures have been interspersed with their European campaign, which began in the second qualifying round against Servette. After a 1-0 home defeat, Plzen overturned the tie with a victory in Geneva.

Having reached the Champions League group stage five times, the Czech side now look set for a place in one of UEFA’s secondary competitions, given the heavy first-leg loss at Ibrox. They followed a Conference League quarter-final in 2024 with a Europa League last-16 appearance last season and could soon return to the latter unless they produce a remarkable comeback.

Team News

Midfielder Adrian Zeljkovic is available again after suspension, while talisman Pavel Sulc’s departure to Lyon leaves 17-year-old Jiri Panos likely to supply the strike duo of Rafiu Durosinmi and Matej Vydra. Ghanaian youngster Prince Adu is another attacking option.

Rangers

Oliver Antman enjoyed a memorable Rangers debut last week, having joined the club just a day before starting in their commanding 3-0 win over Viktoria Plzen.

The Finnish winger impressed throughout, assisting one of Djeidi Gassama’s goals at Ibrox, where Cyriel Dessers also scored from the penalty spot in the first half. Despite a pre-match lineup leak that prompted media scrutiny, Rangers celebrated another European success, building on last month’s 3-1 aggregate win over Panathinaikos.

Chasing a place in the Champions League’s new league phase for the first time, the Light Blues have made a strong start to their qualifying campaign and now look to set up a playoff against either Red Bull Salzburg or Club Brugge. However, Russell Martin’s side have stumbled domestically, dropping points in both opening league fixtures: a 1-1 draw at Motherwell and a late 2-2 home draw with Dundee, salvaged by James Tavernier’s stoppage-time penalty.

Team News

Defender Max Aarons has recovered from a minor injury and could contest the left-back spot with Jefte, while Thelo Aasgaard and Hamza Igamane remain unavailable. Igamane has not featured since the Panathinaikos tie, missing training due to a visa issue. Forward Mikey Moore, set to turn 18, may soon receive international clearance for his loan from Tottenham.

Although Nasser Djiga is suspended domestically after a red card against Dundee, the Burkinabe centre-back is expected to partner John Souttar in defence again for the midweek clash.

Conclusion

Rangers may have shown inconsistency under Russell Martin, but they remain unbeaten this season and often deliver their strongest performances in Europe.

Plzen, by contrast, have struggled for rhythm and are likely to be discouraged by the heavy defeat in Scotland. The best they’re likely to do is avoid defeat.

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 29/10

Bookmaker: ZetBet