Verdict: Draw
Best odds: 5/2
Bookmaker: ZetBet
Rangers and Viktoria Plzen will kick off their third qualifying round tie in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, marking the first-ever meeting between the two sides.
Both clubs advanced through the second round last month and now turn their attention to securing progress to the playoff stage. The first leg takes place at Ibrox, a venue that has consistently served as a European stronghold for Rangers.
Rangers
Rangers are aiming to reach the Champions Leagueâs newly expanded league stage for the first time, and they began this seasonâs campaign with a 3-1 aggregate win over Panathinaikos. A 2-0 home victory against 10-man opposition in the first leg gave them a comfortable cushion before a 1-1 draw in Athens sealed their place in the third qualifying round.
Under new boss Russell Martin, the Gers have shown signs of adjusting to his tactical approach, but their domestic form faltered on Saturday. Rangers dropped points in their Scottish Premiership opener for the third straight season, as Motherwell cancelled out James Tavernierâs opener with a late equalizer at Fir Park.
The last time Rangers failed to win three league openers in a row was back in the mid-1980s, prompting Martin to criticise his players publicly.
Team News
As a response, he is expected to shake up his starting XI in midweek, with Cyriel Dessers and Lyall Cameron potentially handed starts.
With Max Aarons continuing to deputize at left-back, James Tavernier should captain the side from the opposite flank. Meanwhile, Mikey Moore is still waiting on international clearance to play, and both Thelo Aasgaard and Hamza Igamane remain sidelined through injury.
Viktoria Plzen
While Rangers only returned to domestic duties last weekend, Viktoria Plzen have already been in competitive action for several weeks, with their Czech First League campaign underway. After opening the season with an emphatic 5-1 victory over Pardubice, they were held to a 1-1 draw by Jablonec, results that bookended their Champions League second-round qualifier.
In Europe, Miroslav Koubekâs side demonstrated impressive resilience to overcome Servette. Having lost 1-0 at home in the first leg, they responded with a 3-0 away win in Geneva, turning the tie around despite falling behind early. Rafiu Durosinmiâs late penalty sealed a 3-1 aggregate success and sent the six-time Czech champions through.
Viktoria Plzen have a respectable European pedigree, with five previous appearances in the Champions League group stage. They also reached the UEFA Conference League quarter-finals in 2024 and made the Europa League last 16 earlier this year, underlining their growing continental experience.
Team News
Viktoria travel to Glasgow without key midfielder Adrian Zeljkovic, who is suspended following a red card in the previous round. Additionally, playmaker Pavel Sulc has been sold to Lyon, leaving a creative void.
As a result, the onus will be on Rafiu Durosinmi and experienced forward Matej Vydra to lead the line, supported by other sources of midfield invention. Preparations have been prioritised, with their weekend clash against Mlada Boleslav postponed to ensure full focus on this crucial tie at Ibrox.
Conclusion
A tight contest is expected, with Rangers pushing to assert home advantage but likely facing a compact and disciplined visiting side. A score draw would be a fair reflection of both clubsâ current form, leaving the tie finely poised ahead of next weekâs return leg in Plzen.
Verdict: Draw
Best odds: 5/2
Bookmaker: ZetBet