Rangers vs Spartak Moscow. UEFA Europa League Group G.
Ibrox StadiumAttendance49,068.
Thursday 25 October 2018 12:28, UK
Steven Gerrard wants Rangers to recreate the performance and atmosphere of their last home Europa League game when Spartak Moscow visit on Thursday.
A bouncing Ibrox helped Rangers to a 3-1 win against Rapid Wien in Group G a few weeks ago, taking them top of the table with four points.
Manager Gerrard is hoping players and fans alike can produce the same again this week, saying: "It's difficult to predict how the game will go. I know how I would like it to go and that is to take the game to the opposition and really ignite this crowd once again.
"We are going into the game with confidence and belief. We know we are facing a really strong team but we have confidence going into the match. If we emulate the performance and atmosphere of the Rapid match, we will be very difficult to beat.
Spartak sacked their manager Massimo Carrera on Monday with fitness coach Raul Riancho in interim charge for the trip to Scotland and Gerrard is braced for a reaction from the Russians.
He added: "Spartak have been inconsistent this season but we know with the change in manager there will be a reaction so we have to be ready and show our quality.
"I think Spartak come with more experience that Rapid, they play in hostile arenas and they have individuals who are very capable of hurting us. They also have a dead-ball specialist but I am excited to go and watch my team play."
Scott Arfield will not fit for the Europa League games, although Ryan Jack in contention for selection. Borna Barisic trained on Wednesday but will be assessed ahead of the game.
However, Kyle Lafferty will be available after missing the weekend's win against Hamilton due to a FIFA suspension.
Rangers have lost just two of their 13 meetings in all competitions with Russian/Soviet Union opposition (W8 D3). This will be their first meeting with Spartak Moscow.
Spartak Moscow have never beaten Scottish opposition (D2 L2), losing their two most recent games against Celtic in the 2012-13 Champions League group stages.
Rangers are unbeaten in all 10 of their European games under manager Steven Gerrard, winning five and drawing five.
In all European competition, Spartak Moscow have won just one of their last 14 away games (D5 L8), a 2-1 win at Athletic Club in last season's Europa League.
Rangers' Alfredo Morelos has scored in each of his last four games at Ibrox in all competitions, netting five goals in total.
It's a good tie for Rangers this - with a decent name coming to Ibrox - and the Russians are in a bit of trouble as they have sacked their manager Massimo Carrera after a poor start to the season. It's definitely a game Gerrard's side should be able to win.
CHARLIE PREDICTS: 2-1 (9/1 with Sky Bet)
