Rangers vs Jablonec Predictions
Rangers host Czech opponents Jablonec in the first leg of their Conference League playoff on Thursday.
Derek McInnes’ side finally found some form with a commanding League Cup victory last weekend, but their defensive record suggests the visitors can get on the scoresheet.
Considering their far greater experience, I have my stake on a home win with at least three goals, while BTTS is usually a reliable choice when the Gers are involved.
Goals on the Cards at Ibrox
- Rangers have seen BTTS in their last 13 matches
- Rangers have seen over 2.5 goals in 11 of their last 13 matches
- Jablonec scored 1+ goals in their last 12 matches (competitive fixtures)
- Jablonec lost 7 of their last 10 away matches (European competitions)
Rangers and Jablonec Set For First Competitive Meeting
Rangers and Jablonec will meet for the first time on Thursday.
Rangers Claim First Win Under McInnes
Rangers return to Ibrox after an emphatic 5-1 victory against St Mirren in the Premier Sports Cup.
Ryan Naderi and Vanja Dragojevic scored during an impressive first-half performance before Djeidi Gassama, James Penrice and Ross McCausland completed the rout.
Penrice enjoyed an excellent debut, registering a goal and an assist following his loan move from AEK Athens. Ivor Pandur also saved Killian Phillips’ retaken penalty in an action-packed contest in Glasgow.
Sunday’s victory was McInnes’ first as Rangers boss at the fifth attempt and provided a welcome response to their disappointing Europa League elimination.
The Gers suffered a 3-2 aggregate defeat against Jagiellonia Bialystok after being held to a 1-1 second-leg draw at Ibrox.
Rangers have now failed to keep a clean sheet in 13 competitive fixtures since March.
Jablonec Extend Winning Run
Jablonec make the trip to Scotland after a commanding 4-1 aggregate victory against RFS in the Conference League third qualifying round.
Lubos Kozel’s side bagged a 2-0 first-leg win in Czechia before sealing their place in the playoff round with a 2-1 win in Riga. Richard Sedlacek and Sebastian Nebyla scored early goals in the second leg to ensure a comfortable aggregate victory.
The Czech side previously overturned a 3-2 first-leg away defeat against Varazdin in the previous round, winning the second leg 2-0 to progress 4-3 on aggregate.
Jablonec have now won each of their last six competitive fixtures.
Competing in Europe after a fourth-placed finish in the Czech First League last season, Kozel’s men have limited experience at this level. Jablonec were eliminated in the group phase of this competition in their last European campaign five years ago.
Rangers vs Jablonec Team News
Rangers: (4-3-3) Ivor Pandur; Dujon Sterling, Emmanuel Fernandez, Olwethu Makhanya, James Penrice; Vanja Dragojevic, Nicolas Raskin, Dan Neil; Daisuke Yokota, Lawrence Shankland, Djeidi Gassama.
Gers boss McInnes could retain the majority of the side that cruised to victory against St Mirren.
James Penrice will continue at left-back after producing a goal and an assist on his debut. Fellow full-back Tuur Rommens remains sidelined with a muscle injury.
Youssef Chermiti also misses out after suffering an ACL injury earlier this month, while Ben Godfrey is another defensive absentee for the home side.
Club captain Lawrence Shankland is pushing for a recall after appearing as a second-half substitute last weekend.
McInnes confirmed Rangers are looking to strengthen their attacking options and could amend their European squad if new signings arrive before Thursday’s Conference League qualifier.
“Just the forward areas in general, we know what we need to get in, and we're still working really hard to do that.
“I sit at the training ground, next door in the offices where the lads are working hard to get this over the line.
“They're normally the hardest ones to get, because they're premium, and they normally come because they're good players, and we know we won't be the only show in town.
“So you've got to work really hard to get these players in.”
Jablonec: (3-5-2) Jan Hanus; Martin Cedidla, Nemanja Tekijaski, Dusan Pavlovic; Vakhtang Chanturishvili, Sebastian Nebyla, Richard Sedlacek, Filip Zorvan, Jiri Slama; Lamin Jawo, Matej Polidar.
Head coach Lubos Kozel could name an unchanged starting XI after his side secured a 2-1 victory against RFS last week.
Nassim Innocenti and Kevin Prince-Milla are the only reported injury issues.