Rangers vs FK Jablonec: McInnes under pressure in Conference League
Rangers host FK Jablonec in the UEFA Europa Conference League play-off round on 20 August 2026, with the Scottish side still chasing a first win under new manager Derek McInnes. A Europa League exit at the hands of Jagiellonia Białystok has dropped the Light Blues into UEFA’s third-tier competition, and the pressure is already mounting.
Team News and Injury Latest
Rangers are dealing with a deepening injury crisis. Striker Youssef Chermiti is facing a long spell out after suffering an ACL injury in the defeat to Hibernian, while left-back Tuur Rommens has been sidelined with a groin strain. Defender Ben Godfrey remains unavailable with a hamstring issue. The absences forced McInnes to field an experimental 3‑5‑2 system against Jagiellonia, a gamble that left the side exposed as they eventually bowed out. For Jablonec, no fresh injury concerns have been reported, and they are expected to name a settled lineup after navigating two qualifying rounds.
Rangers Form Guide
McInnes’s tenure has begun with a four-match winless streak. A 2‑1 loss to Jagiellonia in Poland was followed by a 1‑1 draw at home that sealed a 3‑2 aggregate defeat and Europa League elimination. Domestically, a 1‑1 draw at Dundee and a 2‑1 home reverse against Hibernian have left the side searching for rhythm. “It is not great to watch,” McInnes admitted after the Jagiellonia second leg. “We huffed and puffed and even when we threw [Emmanuel] Fernandez up, we still don’t make the right decisions.”