Who Rangers could play in Champions League qualifying as Steven Gerrard's side face UEFA draw quirk

Rangers fans have waited a long time to hear the famous Champions League music ring out around Ibrox, and that wait is almost over.

By virtue of their dominant Premiership title win last season, Steven Gerrard's side are among several qualifying hopefuls eyeing a place in the lucrative group stage.

They will enter at the third round when the draw is made on Monday, July 19.

Scotland's coefficient has enjoyed a boost largely thanks to Rangers' exploits in the Europa League, meaning they need only navigate a pair of two-legged ties to book a seat at the continent's top table.

But these qualifiers are perilous affairs and there's no opponent the Ibrox side can afford to take lightly.

The good news for Gerrard is his team are seeded and will, therefore, avoid some of the bigger hitters such as Dinamo Zagreb, Slavia Prague and Olympiacos.

Tomorow's event is also somewhat complicated by the fact that the third round ties are being drawn before the second round has been completed.

It means Rangers will face an 'either or' scenario when the teams come out of the hat, one that will only be finalised when QR2 concludes across July 27 and 28.

Gerrard's team are in the Champions Path of the draw, which means they cannot be paired with rivals Celtic.

Here's the full list of who they could face, depending on which sides prevail from their second round ties.

Rangers potential qualifying opponents

Malmö (SWE) / HJK Helsinki (FIN)

Alashkert (ARM) / Sheriff Tiraspol (MDA)

Ferencváros (HUN) / Žalgiris Vilnius (LTU)

The loser from their CLQR3 tie will drop into qualifying for the Europa League playoff round.

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