Lech Poznan are set to rest a host of their main players for Thursday's dead rubber game with Rangers, handing the Ibrox side a huge chance to top their Europa League group.
Steven Gerrard 's side need either a win in Poland or match what Benfica do when they play Standard Liege. Rangers are locked on 11 points with the Portuguese side Benfica on top of their group and, although the Lisbon side have a superior goal difference, Rangers are top of the group because they scored more away goals in the head-to-head meetings between the teams.
Lech Poznan bounced back from a 4-0 crushing in Portugal with a shadow team to win by the same scoreline in the league against Podbeskidzie at the weekend.
And manager Dariusz Zuraw believes it justifies him putting out another weakened team when they play Rangers on Thursday because they have an important league match against Stal Mielec after it.
He said: "I explained before we went to Portugal that I didn't see it as our most important match of the week and that's why I left players behind in Poland.
"We've had a lot of games and some players were looking jaded and tired. So I rested them and they proved it was the right decision.
"I took the decision to use some of the other players after consultation with the medical staff and the other coaches. Over the course of the season, it will prove to be right.
"Against Rangers, it's very likely we will do the same thing and rest more players. Yes, the Europa League is important, but we are out and there are many other matches.
"Our aim is to challenge for the title and we need the players fresh later in the season."
