Preview: Rangers vs Roma - Team News, Line-ups & Prediction
Ibrox Stadium will host Thursday’s crucial UEFA Europa League clash between Rangers and Roma. Both teams meet for the first time, with a knockout stage spot potentially on the line.
Rangers’ Struggles in the Group Stage
Rangers have had a poor start to the group phase, sitting last among 36 teams after three straight defeats. They lost to Genk, Sturm Graz, and Brann in the opening rounds, anchoring them at the bottom of the table. Following this disappointing run, Rangers dismissed manager Martin Russell in early October. His replacement, Danny Rohl, has had a mixed start with two wins and two losses, including a Europa League defeat against Brann.
Roma’s Rocky Campaign
Roma looked set for automatic qualification to the round of 16 at the start of the tournament. They won their opening European game convincingly against OGC Nice, marking coach Gian Piero Gasperini's debut. However, consecutive losses to Lille and Plzen have put them in danger of dropping out early. Ahead of the game in Glasgow, Roma sit 23rd in the group, making it vital to secure a victory.
"A place in the knockout stages is potentially at stake as the two sides meet for the first time."
"It’s been a dreadful start to the league phase for Rangers as they sit bottom of the 36-team table after losing all three matches so far."
Author’s summary: Rangers and Roma face a crucial Europa League contest at Ibrox, each desperate to turn around disappointing group stage starts and advance to the knockouts.