The new SPL season hasn't even began, yet already Rangers are fast approaching one of the most important games in recent history.
The Gers were handed one of the toughest opponents possible for the third qualifying round of the European Champion's League when they were drawn against Danish Champions FC Copenhagen. The Danes comfortably dealt with Maltese title holders Sliema Wanderers FC, winning 4-1 at home and then destroying the minnows by six goals to nil in the second leg, showing that Alex McLeish's side face a strong challenge for a place amongst Europe's elite.
The sides last met back in July 2001 when the Light Blues travelled to the 41,000 capacity Parken Stadium, with only six of the players that took part in the 1-1 friendly draw still plying their trade at Ibrox today. Rangers also met Danish opposition at the same stage of the Champion's League that season when surprise champions Herfølge were brushed aside 6-0 on aggregate. Herfølge turned out to be one-season wonders, being one of the few teams in football to be relegated as Champions, but FC Copenhagen will be a far stronger challenge.
It took the Danes just 45 minutes to build up a 3-0 lead over Sliema Wanderers in the first leg, with South African striker Sibosisu Zuma starting the rout after 25 minutes. Rangers defence will have to pay close attention to FCK's star player, who also won a penalty for Thomas Røll Larsen and followed up with two goals in the second leg. Another potent threat up-front is Peter Møller. Although not popular with the fans after publicly declaring his preference for fierce city rivals Brøndby, Møller's 'Suttonesque' tactics will no doubt be on show to aggravate the Rangers defence. If Jörgen Petterson wins his battle for fitness in time for the first leg on the 13th August, then FCK have a front trio that will give Craig Moore & Co a very difficult time.
New signings Alvaro Santos and Sebastian Svärd, brought in on a yearlong loan deal from Arsenal, will both be eligible to play against Rangers. Brazilian Santos netted 35 times in 63 matches for Helsingborg before his move to Copenhagen - Another striking threat for Rangers to beware of.
Hans Backe's team are likely to line up in their preferred 4-4-2 formation, with experienced duo Erik Mykland and Peter Nielsen playing against Barry Ferguson and his midfield partners. Rangers creative men will have to be on top form to break down Martin Albrechtsen and the FCK defence. Despite losing their last League match 4-2 at home to OB, the Danes have a strong team throughout.
Rangers' team is much changed from last season. The most worrying part is the loss of Amoruso and Arthur Numan. Michael Ball is most likely to take the left-back slot, and the recovering defender looked like the kind of player we need at Ibrox in his outing against Moscow Dynamo at Ibrox, chipping in with a goal from a sweetly struck free-kick. A replacement for Amoruso is vital. The Italian was a solid player and often saved his best performances for the biggest matches. New signing Henning Berg the likely candidate to partner Moore, and must surely be preferred to Bob Malcolm due to his experience in Europe's premier competition. The right-back position could be filled by Ross, Muscat or Ricksen, who have little Champion's League experience between them, with Vanoli, another recent signing, also available to cover in defence.
The rest of the Rangers team is slightly more predictable. Barry Ferguson, Ronald de Boer and Michael Mols will no doubt be the first names on the team sheet. Ferguson could be joined in midfield by Ricksen and Arteta, although the Spaniard's transfer saga over the close season could cost him a place in the starting XI. Other options for the central positions are Christian Nerlinger, returning from injury, and UEFA Cup winner Nuno Capucho.
Our club's financial situation is such that Champion's League qualification is an absolute must. Furthermore, McLeish's men must build on last season's Treble and start to make an impact in Europe. Rangers may be favourites for the tie, but FCK fans and players are confident of their chances.
It seems like an age since we last had Champion's League action at Ibrox, and it's a mouth-watering prospect to think of Rangers lining up against some of Europe's biggest clubs, but FCK cannot be underestimated. Only two years ago Lazio were defeated 2-1 at the Parken Stadium before Ajax were put of the UEFA Cup with a 1-0 defeat at their own ground. It's a crucial game for everyone involved with our club, but one that can see us back on the level we should be playing.
Just do it Rangers.
Strathclyde Bear