Europa League

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Europa League Qualifying | First Qualifying Round

Jul 17, 2018 at 4.55pm UK

Shkupi Shkupi
0-0
Rangers Rangers

Steven Gerrard warns Rangers to expect different Shkupi in Europa League decider

By Giuseppe Labellarte, Reporter | 16 July 2018

Steven Gerrard warns his Rangers players to expect a completely different Shkupi in their Europa League first-round qualifying second leg on Tuesday.

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has warned his charges to expect a completely different Shkupi in their Europa League first-round qualifying second leg on Tuesday.

The Scottish Premiership giants lead 2-0 in the tie after James Tavernier's stoppage-time penalty in the first leg changed the complexion of the encounter and gave his side a bigger cushion.

Shkupi had frustrated Rangers at Ibrox after Jamie Murphy's early opener, but Gerrard expects the Macedonians to adopt a more attacking approach in Skopje.

"They came with a game plan to be organised and a team block and to be difficult to break down," the former Liverpool captain told Sky Sports News. "I respect their gameplan at Ibrox but I expect something completely different on Tuesday.

"Shkupi are losing 2-0 in the tie at half time so if they come with an aggressive style and they want to push to get back into the tie, I actually think that's playing into our hands, because to push and to be aggressive, they obviously have to take risks."

Gers midfielder Scott Arfield has not travelled for the return leg as he is still struggling from a knock picked up in the first match.