UEFA Cup Preview: Rangers vs Fiorentina

Walter Smith will miss host of his key players when Gers face Fiorentina at the Ibrox. But Smith sounds very confident and feels that huge number of absentees in his side will be an advantage.

“The fewer players you have, the easier it is to select a team,” said Smith.

Rangers have been exceptional in defense conceding two goals in six Uefa Cup games. Smith believes that his squad playing strategy will help them tonight.

Rangers skipper Barry Ferguson and Kevin Thomson will miss the match due to suspensions. Andy Webster, Charlie Adam and DaMarcus Beasley are still out. Neil Alexander will feature European appearance for the club, as Allan McGregor is out with an ankle injury.

Chris Burke and Steven Naismith are out after picking up knocks in the Scottish Cup semi-final against St Johnstone. Lee McCulloch is still to recover from his foot injury he suffered at Celtic. But Smith will have the services of veteran defender David Weir and Kris Boyd.

Rangers are in the pursuit for a quartet, but the numbers of fixtures in a short duration has taken a toll on the squad with many key players out with either injuries or suspensions.

Fiorentina will look to attack at Ibrox and will be hoping to gain the away advantage when they return home for the return fixture. Fiorentina skipper Dario Dainelli believes that his side are mentally strong enough to face Rangers at home after they have won against some tough oppositions like Everton and PSV Eindhoven in previous stages.

Fiorentina lead the race for fourth spot in the Serie A this season, they hold a four-point lead over AC Milan and Sampdoria in the race for fourth place with four games remaining and will be hoping for a UEFA Cup-fourth place double.

Tomas Ujfalusi will face a late fitness test before the match after intially being ruled out with a thigh injury. He along with Riccardo Montolivo and Adrian Mutu will miss the second clash if they get booked tonight.