It's a case of mission improbable for Rangers with only a 5-0 over Ajax good enough to secure an unlikely Europa League playoff berth.
But the mood music around Ibrox has changed in the wake of their dominant 4-1 win over Aberdeen as they seek a stirring result against the Eredivisie champions. It comes amid the looming threat of landing the unwanted title of the worst group stage campaign in Champions League history. Gio van Bronckhorst has a bulging injury list to cope with but he will retain belief his Rangers side can rise to the challenge on matchday six.
There is added spice as Calvin Bassey and his under-fire Ajax team-mates aim to right the wrongs of a dreary Champions League campaign which was crippled by a pair of pastings from in-form Napoli. Supporters of the the Dutch champions aren't buying their side's efforts in Group A – 12 months on from Erik Ten Hag guiding Ajax to a perfect six wins out of six in the group stage.
A place in the last 16 isn't on the line, however, there's plenty at stake as both teams aim for a feel-good three points. Record Sport writers make their picks ahead of the game.
Scott Burns
I reckon Rangers will pick up their first Champions League point. It could be a tough ride at times but I can see Antonio Colak being the main man again for the Light Blues.
Rangers 1 Ajax 1
Craig Swan
Rangers are desperate to get something onto the board at the end of a difficult Champions League experience, but Ajax were much too good in Amsterdam and it could be that a draw is the outcome.
Rangers 2 Ajax 2
Michael Gannon
Rangers will be glad to see the back of this Euro campaign but they can sign off with a morale boosting victory. Ajax are top drawer but they have one foot in the Europa League and Gers can play with a freedom.
Rangers 2 Ajax 1
Fraser Wilson
Rangers’ injury problems at the back will tell as Ajax, maybe not in full flow in Europe, still possess serious talent in the forward areas with Bergwijn, Brobbey and Tadic. Expect goals at both ends and Rangers, bolstered by their thumping of Aberdeen, to grab their first point to avoid any unwanted worst ever statistics.
Rangers 2 Ajax 2
Gordon Parks
It’s set to be another sobering night for the Light Blues against a side which are just on a higher level but a point can be claimed. A painful campaign can end on an encouraging note if Rangers harness the atmosphere against the Dutch.
Rangers 1 Ajax 1
Liam Bryce
Even the most optimistic Rangers fan will struggle to entertain the notion of a five-goal Ibrox miracle materialising but van Bronckhorst’s side can build on their weekend morale-booster by finally getting a Champions League point on the board.
Rangers 1 Ajax 1
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