Jablonec vs Rangers

Rangers dropped into the Conference League after Europa League elimination to Jagiellonia Białystok, and this play-off with Jablonec — first leg at Ibrox on 20 August, the return in Czechia on 27 August — decides who reaches the league phase. Jablonec sit second in the Czech First League with an unbeaten start, while new Rangers boss Derek McInnes is still searching for stability after a rocky opening spell. Jablonec's European run has been historic, beating Latvia's RFS home and away to reach this stage for the first time, with striker Jan Chramosta confident of exposing Rangers' weaknesses. Rangers have wobbled domestically — a loss to Hibernian, a draw at Dundee United — but hit back with a 5-1 League Cup romp over St Mirren, Lawrence Shankland among the scorers and in fine form. The clubs have never met before, so there's no history to lean on. Our prediction: 1-1