Ibrox will be rocking on Wednesday as Rangers face Manchester United in an epic European encounter.
Ibrox braced for crunch Champions League contest
Ibrox will be rocking on Wednesday as Rangers face Manchester United in an epic European encounter.
The Gers enter Wednesday's contest knowing their UEFA Champions League dreams hang in the balance.
Defeat for the Glasgow giants could prove costly, as that would leave Valencia only needing to take a point from their meeting with Bursaspor to book their place in the last 16.
Walter Smith's side already appear to have wrapped up the consolation prize of a place in the Europa League, but they will not be thinking about that at this stage.
Unfortunately for the Gers, they have won only one of their last 14 Champions League matches - against Bursaspor in September.
They did hold United to a goalless draw at Old Trafford in the reverse fixture, proving they are capable of matching the Red Devils, but they mustered just two shots during a drab contest in Manchester.
The Red Devils head to Scotland in midweek in the fortunate position of knowing they will progress to the knockout stages providing they avoid defeat.
Depending on the result in the Valencia game, Sir Alex Ferguson's side could also wrap up top spot, offering them the chance to rest key men in the final round of fixtures.
United's record against Scottish opposition suggests they will be celebrating a place in the last 16 on Wednesday, as they have lost only one of their last seven games against SPL foes.
Their recent record on the road also plays into their hands, with eight victories taken from their last nine European away games.
Papac doubt
Rangers boss Smith has vowed to give Sasa Papac 'every opportunity' to prove his fitness ahead of the crunch clash.
Should the Bosnian defender miss out, the Gers will waver from the 5-4-1 approach they have favoured in Europe this season.
Smith insists that will not be a problem, with various tactical options available to him.
He will, however, be without Madjid Bougherra (hamstring), Maurice Edu (knee), James Beattie (hip and thigh) and Andy Webster (groin).
Duo rested
United have decided to rest their first-choice centre-half pairing, meaning Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic get the night off.
Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans are expected to come in as cover at the heart of the back four.
Wayne Rooney made his eagerly-anticipated return to action as a substitute against Wigan on Saturday and could be handed his first start since penning a new long-term contract.
Darron Gibson, Gary Neville, Owen Hargreaves and Michael Owen all missed training on Tuesday, while Darren Fletcher took a slight knock at the weekend and will not be risked.
Dimitar Berbatov is likely to be drafted back into the fold after being left out of the matchday squad to face Wigan.
