Jablonec vs Rangers – News and Probable Lineups

FK Baumit Jablonec will face Rangers at Stadion Strelnice on Thursday in the second leg of their Conference League playoff qualification match.

The home team needs to overcome a one-goal deficit to secure advancement to the league stage, given that the visiting Rangers won 1-0 in Escócia last week.

Match overview

FK Baumit Jablonec had a disappointing start to their 2026-27 season, suffering a 3-2 loss to NK Varazdin in the first leg of their Conference League second-round tie.

Lubos Kozel’s squad managed to bounce back immediately with a 2-1 victory in their opening Czech First League match against Sigma Olomouc, kicking off a remarkable winning streak.

Subsequently, Jablonec reversed the first-leg defeat against Varazdin with a 2-0 victory in the second leg, then secured two league wins along with a 3-1 aggregate triumph over Rigas Futbola Skola in the Conference League third qualifying round.

However, their winning run was halted last week at Ibrox, where a goal from Ryan Don Naderi in the 50th minute ensured a 1-0 win for Rangers, leaving Jablonec trailing in the tie.

Looking back, Jablonec will draw confidence from having overturned their deficit in the second round against Varazdin at home, yet they face a significantly stronger opponent in Rangers.

Despite narrowly winning 1-0 in the first leg, Rangers demonstrated their quality throughout the encounter, maintaining possession with 57% of the ball and attempting 13 shots compared to Jablonec’s five, while also creating five significant chances.

Rangers had to defend against a late surge from Jablonec after Cameron Devlin’s dismissal in the 74th minute, yet they managed to hold on for what marked just their second victory under new manager Derek McInnes.

McInnes, who made the switch from Hearts over the summer, has faced a challenging start to his tenure at Ibrox, achieving two draws and two defeats in his first four matches, which included their Europa League exit.

However, Rangers finally registered a win under McInnes with a thoroughly needed 5-1 triumph against St Mirren in the Scottish League Cup, followed by their first-leg victory against Jablonec.

In an effort to extend their winning run and secure a spot in the Conference League league phase, Rangers will aim to assert their dominance over Jablonec and decisively end the tie.

Rangers must address their dismal recent away record in European competitions if they hope to secure their place in the league phase, having suffered defeats in their last seven European away matches.

Team News

Kevin-Prince Milla will remain sidelined for Jablonec due to injury, while Nassim Innocenti is doubtful owing to a knock.

Even after their first-leg defeat, Kozel may find encouragement from being only one goal down, and he could choose to field a similar lineup on Thursday.

On the other hand, Rangers will be without Youssef Chermiti, Ben Godfrey, and Jose Cifuentes due to ongoing injury issues.

Additionally, Devlin will not be available for selection following his dismissal in the first leg, which is likely to see an unchanged midfield featuring Vanja Dragojevic, Dan Neil, and Tochi Chukwuani.

Naderi, who netted the crucial goal in the first leg, may retain his place in the attack alongside Daisuke Yokota and Djeidi Gassama.

FK Baumit Jablonec probable starting XI:

Hanus; Cedidla, Tekijaski, Pavlovic, Slama; Sedlacek, Nebyla; Chanturishvili, Suchan, Polidar; Jawa

Rangers probable starting XI:

Pandur; Sterling, Fernandez, Makhanya, Penrice; Dragojevic, Neil, Chukwuani; Yokota, Naderi, Gassama

Rangers showed to be the stronger side in the first leg, and despite their poor away form in Europe, they are expected to dominate again and secure the win on Thursday.