Steven Gerrard: Gers To Face A Very Strong Team

RANGERS will face ‘a very strong team’ in Sparta Prague when the Light Blues line-up in the Czech capital tomorrow night.

That’s the view of manager Steven Gerrard, whose side jetted off this afternoon for matchday two of the Europa League – and the boss was impressed with what he saw from Sparta on matchday one when they drew away to Brondby.

He told this morning’s pre-departure press conference: "They played really well in Copenhagen and maybe deserved more than a draw. They were probably the stronger out of the two teams.

"I think they are a very strong team, a very physical team who run a lot and in the forward areas, they have a lot of technical players that can really hurt you especially in the wide areas and 'one v one' situations.

"I never like to mention individuals because I don't know what the opposition coach is going to play, but I think we saw last year and we also have seen enough this year to know that we are in for a real, tough challenge."

Gerrard was asked if he views Sparta as their main rivals for qualification from the section – but he was quick to shut that down.

He continued: "I saw when the group was announced that we had three rivals and we were fighting and competing for as many points as we can get.

"I think, obviously, the teams all came out different pots and the bookmakers would have put numbers down in that situation, so we are well-aware Lyon are a top team.

"They proved that at Ibrox that they are really good although I thought we performed really well on the day and it was just the big moments that went against us on the day.

"But we are going to fight for all of the points that are available for us in all the remaining games - this is obviously a big one as we lost our first game so it is important we take something from the game at least."

The manager also gave a quick squad update, adding: "It is as it was for the weekend. Scott Arfield will come back into travel with us, Stephen Kelly will travel with us and Robby McCrorie will travel with us.

"The injury situation is as it was and nothing has changed."

Rangers are in Scottish Women’s Premier League action tonight against Spartans at 8pm and you can join the action on RangersTV.

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