OPINION
Rangers will attempt to build on Saturday’s workmanlike 2-0 victory over St Mirren when they take on Spartak Moscow in the Europa League on Thursday night.
Steven Gerrard’s side are unbeaten in the competition so far this season, and secured a goalless draw with Raul Riancho’s side in the reverse fixture at Ibrox last time out.
The Liverpudlian will be hoping to go one better at the Otkritie Arena, but will need to ensure that he selects his best team for what will be a tough game against a decent Spartak side.
That means making three changes from the eleven that tasted victory on Saturday, with Joe Worrall, Scott Arfield and Eros Grezda all set to miss out.
Allan McGregor should, of course, continue in goal after a fine start to the season, while captain James Tavernier is another automatic selection at right back.
Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic developed a strong centre back partnership earlier this campaign, but the pair have been split up to make way for Joe Worrall in recent weeks. However, given the magnitude of the opposition, the 22-year-old Croatian international should return at Worrall’s expense against Spartak.
Andy Halliday put in a surprisingly solid performance as a makeshift left back against the Saints, and deserves to continue in the role on Thursday.
Ovie Ejaria and Ryan Jack are firmly entrenched as guaranteed starters in central midfield but Scott Arfield, who partnered them on Saturday, didn’t do enough to keep his place and should miss out at the expense of Jordan Rossiter.
Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos both put in a decent shift on Saturday and should retain their places, but Eros Grezda fluffed his lines and should be replaced by Daniel Candeias, who scored off the bench – before being sent off – against St Mirren.
