Rangers team news ahead of Jablonec: Predicted lineup includes

Rangers return to European action this week when they face Jablonec in the Conference League play-off round, with a place in the league phase at stake.

Derek McInnes’ side must overcome their Czech opponents if they are to keep their European campaign alive beyond August. Rangers dropped into the Conference League after suffering Europa League qualifying disappointment against Jagiellonia Bialystok last week.

The Light Blues have since strengthened their options at full-back, bringing in James Penrice from AEK Athens and Kosta Nedeljkovic on loan from Aston Villa. Both could be involved as Rangers look to take an advantage into next week’s return fixture.

McInnes said: “If we can get another win and take a victory over to the Czech Republic next week, that will help. We have looked at the opposition over the last few days, but you also have to concentrate on yourselves and what you want to do.

“If the players can be individually strong as they were at the weekend, that gives us a good chance. Our best physical output came against Hibs after travelling from Poland, and I thought that was a decent performance in terms of effort.

“The lads were rewarded for that effort again on Sunday. It was important to win for so many reasons. The supporters needed to see a winning team, and it was nice to get a few goals and good individual performances. If we follow it up with another win, it can only help before we travel to the Czech Republic.”

With several alterations expected from the team that beat St Mirren, here is how Rangers could line up against Jablonec.

GK – Ivor Pandur

Pandur has firmly established himself as Rangers’ first-choice goalkeeper and is expected to retain his place.

RB – Kosta Nedeljkovic

The Aston Villa loanee completed pre-season with his parent club and could be handed an immediate debut. He is likely to replace Dujon Sterling at right-back.

CB – Olwethu Makhanya

The summer arrival from Philadelphia Union continues to develop and is gradually becoming more comfortable in Rangers’ defence.

CB – Emmanuel Fernandez

Fernandez has faced criticism for some of his performances this season, but his ability and experience could see him keep his starting position.

LB – James Penrice

Penrice made an impressive first appearance, scoring and assisting on his debut, and will be hoping to maintain that momentum.

Reflecting on his arrival, Penrice said: “It was a dream debut. With the mental week that I’ve had, it was a great debut to top it off. It’s been a crazy week. It was on and off, on and off, then finally I got it confirmed to get the flight back and get the medical done. Thankfully, it went well, and I’m now a Rangers player.”

CDM – Vanja Dragojevic

The Serbian midfielder is expected to continue in the holding role, helping Rangers maintain the structure that worked against St Mirren.

CDM – Dan Neil

Neil could come into the midfield in place of Tochi Chukwuani, offering greater leadership and composure in the centre of the pitch.

RM – Daisuke Yokota

The Japanese winger is still working towards full match fitness but has already shown flashes of the quality he can provide.

CM – Nico Raskin

With Chukwuani potentially dropping out, Raskin could be given greater freedom to operate further forward from midfield.

LW – Rangers attacking option

The winger has begun to find some rhythm and could retain his starting role, particularly with McInnes still having limited options in the position.

ST – Rangers captain

The skipper is expected to lead the line as the lone striker, with Ryan Naderi providing another option. He should also benefit from plenty of attacking support around him.