Rangers’ Desperate Bid for Redemption Against AS Roma Mirrors the Struggles of the Fallen – A Clash of Titans in Crisis at Ibrox Stadium
As Rangers prepare to face AS Roma at Ibrox this Thursday, the stakes could not be higher for both teams, each grappling with their own crises in the UEFA Europa League. The Scottish side, under the management of Danny Rohl, has yet to secure a victory in this season’s competition, while the Italian giants have suffered two home defeats, raising questions about their form and future in European football.
Rangers’ recent domestic resurgence, marked by back-to-back victories in the Scottish Premiership against Kilmarnock and Hibernian, stands in stark contrast to their European woes. The club has experienced a grim stretch of six consecutive losses in continental competitions, a streak that matches their longest in history. This unfortunate run includes defeats in Champions League qualifiers and Europa League group matches against teams like Genk, Sturm Graz, and SK Brann, leaving them without a point after three games in the group stage.
The psychological weight of these failures looms large as they prepare to host AS Roma. The team’s morale has been shaken, and the pressure on Rohl to turn things around is palpable. Connor Barron’s return from suspension provides a glimmer of hope, but the absence of key players such as winger Rabbi Matondo, Dujon Sterling, and midfielder Kieran Dowell continues to hinder the squad’s depth and options.
Matondo, who has been sidelined since June due to a knee injury, is not expected to return until late November. Sterling, recovering from an Achilles issue, has been training but is unlikely to make a comeback this week, with a return in January being the most optimistic scenario. Dowell’s ongoing foot injury further complicates Rohl’s tactical plans, forcing him to rely on a less experienced lineup.
The predicted starting XI for Rangers features goalkeeper Jack Butland, with a backline that includes James Tavernier, John Souttar, and others, aiming to solidify their defense against a potent AS Roma attack. The midfield will likely see players like Nicolas Raskin and Diomande tasked with both defensive duties and creating opportunities for forwards such as Danilo and Miovski.
AS Roma, on the other hand, comes into this match with their own set of challenges. Having suffered two surprising defeats at home, they too are in search of redemption. The pressure on their manager is mounting, as fans expect a strong performance in Europe, especially given the club’s rich history and ambition. The likes of Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini will be crucial for Roma, as they aim to exploit Rangers’ defensive vulnerabilities.
The match will kick off at 8 PM BST on Thursday, 6th November, and fans in the United Kingdom can watch the action live on TNT Sports. This encounter is not just a battle for points but a clash of two clubs desperate to reclaim their reputations on the European stage.
As both teams look to turn their fortunes around, the atmosphere at Ibrox is set to be electric. The stakes are high, and the implications of this match could resonate far beyond the final whistle. For Rangers, a victory could mark the beginning of a turnaround, while for AS Roma, it is an opportunity to reestablish their dominance in European football. The world will be watching as these two giants collide in a crucial moment for their respective campaigns.
Rangers are set to host AS Roma at Ibrox this Thursday as both teams aim to turn around their disappointing starts to the UEFA Europa League campaign.
The Scottish side have yet to register a win in the competition so far, while their Italian opponents have already experienced two home defeats in this group stage.
Under Danny Rohl, Rangers have shown signs of revival domestically with back-to-back Scottish Premiership wins versus Kilmarnock and Hibernian. Nevertheless, their European form has been grim, with the club enduring six consecutive losses in continental competitions, matching their longest such run.
This poor streak includes defeats in Champions League qualifiers and Europa League group matches against Genk, Sturm Graz, and SK Brann, leaving them pointless after three games.
Rangers vs AS Roma – Predicted lineup and team news
Rangers team news
Connor Barron is back after serving a suspension for his previous red card. Still, head coach Danny Rohl’s squad remains without key players including winger Rabbi Matondo (knee), Dujon Sterling (Achilles), and midfielder Kieran Dowell (foot), who continue to recover from injuries.
Matondo has been out since June, and although Sterling has been seen training recently, a comeback this week appears unlikely. Matondo is expected to return in late November while Sterling will be back in the squad in January at the earliest.
Rangers predicted lineup
Possible Rangers starting XI: Butland; Tavernier, Souttar, Cornelius, Meghoma; Diomande, Raskin; Moore, Danilo, Gassama; Miovski.
When will the match kick off?
The match will kick off at 8pm BST on Thursday, 6th November.
How to watch Rangers vs AS Roma?
Fans in the United Kingdom can catch all the action from the Europa League encounter between Rangers and AS Roma live on TNT Sports.
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