Rangers went from the sublime to the ridiculous in their opening two Europa League group games as they pulled of an impressive win over Spanish outfit Real Betis at Ibrox, only to then be humbled by Cypriot outfit Aris Limassol.
The Light Blues might be top seeds but the La Liga side would be many people's favourites for the section while the team from Cyprus are regarded as the minnows. Had the results been reversed, it wouldn't have raised many eyebrows. Now they are up against Sparta Prague who lie somewhere in the middle and the famous New Manager Bounce looks to be in full flow for Rangers, but will it be enough to carry them to a big Euro win on the road?
That's the point Record Sport's writers have been debating as Philippe Clement and has team prepare for the big showdown that could prove massive for their qualification hopes and they give their predictions for the big match.
Andy Newport
Beating Hibs at home was one thing for new Ibrox boss Philippe Clement but overcoming a Sparta side unbeaten at home all season will be an altogether tougher prospect. But the recently-appointed Belgian gaffer has managed in five days something Michael Beale couldn’t in 10 months, which was to give Rangers a sense of identity and a dollop of confidence, which might just be enough to snatch them a point in Prague.
Sparta 1 Rangers 1
Keith Jackson
Rangers are in danger of making a mess of a magnificent start to the group so need to take something home from Prague to get their qualification bid back on track. A point would be good. But an away win should not be beyond them so long as new boss Philippe Clement has these players focused and firing.
Sparta 2 Rangers 2
Michael Gannon
There’s been a mood change at Rangers with the new boss bounce and it can continue in Prague. Sparta are solid and are scoring a lot of goals. But Gers will get some space to cause problems as well and they can get a positive result.
Sparta 2 Rangers 2
Gavin Berry
It would be a dream start for Philippe Clement if he could follow up Saturday's win over Hibs with another victory in the Czech capital but Sparta have made a solid start to the season and it might be too much to ask of the Belgian. But the Light Blues would be more than happy with a draw which would still keep them well on course to achieve their aim of getting out of the group and setting up a shoot-out for top spot in Seville on the final matchday.
Sparta 1 Rangers 1
Ross Pilcher
It was a great start for Philippe Clement, but as the man himself said, he's not Harry Potter and hasn't fixed everything immediately. This is a much tougher test than Hibs at home, with Sparta unbeaten on their own patch and scoring goals. Expect a better performance from the Gers, especially compared to Limassol, but the hosts might just edge it.
Sparta 2-1 Rangers
