By Molly Adam

Rangers travel to Norway tonight to take on SK Brann in the Europa League, with a 17:45 BST kick-off. The European tie will be new manager, Danny Rohl’s first game for the Glasgow side. Rohl – who was unveiled as Russell Martin’s successor on Monday – starts his term with a hard game away in Bergen.

Rohl – who was previously the Sheffield Wednesday manager – aims to win back fans after an abysmal start to the season under Russell Martin. Rangers are currently sixth in the Scottish Premiership after eight games played. The team’s worst start in 42 years.

The Scottish giants have also struggled in Europe. Rangers sit 32nd out of a 36-team table after losing both games already played in the competition. Their opponents tonight, SK Brann sit 17th with one loss and a win so far. SK Brann defeated Dutch side Utrecht one-nil at the Brann Stadion this month.

Rangers started their European campaign in the most prestigious competition in Europe, the Champions League. Rangers defeated both Greek side Panathinaikos and Czech side FC Viktoria Plzen in the competition’s qualifying rounds.

Rangers crashed out the Champions League after losing nine-one on aggregate to Belgian side Club Brugge. Russell Martin led the side to an embarrassing six-nil loss in Brugge which saw the club demoted to the Europa League.

The Glasgow side’s opposition SK Brann come into the game sitting third in the Norwegian league, Eliteserien. Brann are currently seven points behind league leaders Viking and six points behind Bodo/Glimt in second place. In their last five games in the Eliteserien, Brann have won four and lost one. The game lost was to the league leaders, Viking in a one nil loss away from home.

Brann are missing three first team players for the match tonight. Icelandic striker Saevar Atli Magnusson, who is a proven goal scorer for Brann, and Norwegian midfielder Felix Horn Myhre will both miss the game due to injury.

A big loss to the side came at the weekend for Brann at a four-one win against Haugesund when Niklas Castro was forced out due to a thigh injury. The Chilean international joined Brann in 2022 and since has been a standout for the club. The left-winger has been a prominent figure in the attack scoring 37 goals since joining the Norwegian outfit.

Rangers have also been hit with some first team injuries. First team players that are missing out are Dujon Sterling, Mohamed Diomande and Rabbi Matondo. Due to the quick turnover between being appointed and tonight’s game it will be unlikely that there will be many changes from Rohl. Rangers are coming off the back of a two-all draw with Dundee United at Ibrox.

Brann are no stranger to Scottish teams as last year they knocked St. Mirren out of the Europa Conference League across two legs. The first game in Paisley ended one-all with a Toyosi Olusanya late-equaliser for the Buddies. The second leg in Bergen saw Brann defeat St. Mirren three-one. Brann scored two late goals to comfortably defeat St. Mirren four-two on aggregate.

The game will be refereed by an all-Greek referee team. The referee for tonight’s meeting is Vassilis Fotias, who is assisted by Andreas Meintanas and Michail Papadakis. The fourth official is Alexandros Tsakalidis. Angelos Evangelou is on VAR duty and will be assisted by Ioannis Papadopoulos.

A win tonight is needed for Rangers if they want to continue in the competition. Three straight losses in the competition would make it an uphill battle for the club to progress any further. Brann are the favourites coming into the game, making Rohl’s side the underdogs. A win for Rangers and Danny Rohl would revive spirits within the team and fans.

‘Rohling’ Start – Can Rangers hit the ground running with Danny Rohl in Norway?