Rangers will aim to bounce back from another disappointing weekend as they head to Istanbul to face Fenerbahce in the first-leg Europa League last 16 at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium on Thursday (kick off: 5.45pm).
Interim head coach Barry Ferguson was left frustrated after his side were unable to build on an encouraging comeback win over Kilmarnock in midweek, falling to their third straight home defeat against Motherwell on Saturday, with the Fir Park outfit running out deserved 2-1 winners at Ibrox.
In a strange quirk of fate though, Rangers have found salvation in the Europa League this term, losing just two of their eight games in the League Phase and qualifying automatically for the knockout stage of the competition by finishing in the top eight of the table.
Things have been a little different for their hosts Fenerbahce in Europe, with Jose Mourinho’s side scrapping into the last 16 via a playoff win over Anderlecht after finishing in 24th position in the Europa League table. However, an unbeaten run of 18 games in all competitions mean the Turkish giants will be the favourites heading into the clash.
Ahead of the game at Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, The Scotsman brings you all the early team news:
9. Burak Kapacak - Fenerbahce - INELIGIBLE
Hasn't played for Jose Mourinho all season, and has not been included in Fenerbahce squad for the Europa League. | Getty Images
10. Serdar Aziz - Fenerbahce - INELIGIBLE
The experienced defender is another who has struggled for game time under Jose Mourinho, and has not been included in the Europa League squad this season. | Getty Images
11. Ismail Yuksek - Fenerbahce - OUT
Has a muscle injury which rules him out of this week's game with Rangers, but could return for the second-leg. | Michael Steele Photo: Michael Steele
12. John Souttar - Rangers - AVAILABLE
Has been out with a groin injury for several weeks, but was spotted back in training on Saturday could be return to the Rangers starting XI for the game in Istanbul. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group