By Alexander Cruickshanks

European football is back for Rangers this week as they travel to Sweden to take on Allsvenskan league leaders, Malmo FF.

There is an air of expectation about this campaign after the Glasgow team’s failure to qualify for the Champions League struck a massive blow on and off the pitch.

Their first opposition however are not going to be easy; as the Swedes currently sit top of their division by 11 points with just 6 games remaining. They won 4-0 against Hacken Gothenburg at the weekend, and therefore come into this game in good form.

But what can Rangers fans expect to see from their opponents? Our reporter spoke to Harry Örwall Lovén of Allsvenskansilly to get the lowdown on the Swedish league leaders

 Lovén said: “They can expect a more modern Malmö FF, which will aim to dominate the flow of the game in a way they haven’t done in Europe before. This means a lot of possession and a bold style of play. It’s always a tough match for teams playing at Eleda. It’s crucial to engage the crowd from the start, as they always create a unique and truly magical atmosphere during European nights.

‘Malmö has a very high ceiling and can defeat many teams in Europe on their best day. Despite having a bolder team, it’s worth noting that they’ve always played with discipline in European matches and have the ability to fight for results.”

 Isaac Kiese Thelin is their top scorer this season with 14 goals.

In terms of attacking play Lovén said: “Kiese Thelin is a typical target man who isn’t the creative type, but rather the goal-scoring, physically dominant player who covers a lot of ground defensively, making him a strong target forward and good in the air.

‘Together with Erik Botheim, who is more involved in the overall play, Malmö has a very strong striking duo.”

This fixture is viewed as a winnable game for the Scottish side but Malmo fans will come into this game confident.

As to what the feeling is in Sweden, Lovén added: “In Malmö, the feeling and the city’s winning culture are always that they can beat any team at home. Rangers are a tough side, and most Malmö FF fans can agree it will be a challenging match, but a win is definitely seen as very possible.”

Rangers are in good spirits heading into this game after a 3-0 victory over Dundee in the Premier Sports Cup and an uplift in performance is showing positive signs for the Gers.

Our reporter spoke to David Marshall from the Heart and Hand Podcast to get his perspective on the match.

Marshall said: “I’m cautiously optimistic. I’ll be honest I don’t know what to expect from Rangers in these big Europa league games. Getting put of the champions league was crushing blow. It has a knock-on effect.

“The new format is exciting to be involved with. There’s few games I think you can write off. This Is certainly a game we should look at winning.”

Due to the new format each game is more important than ever, particularly matches against sides like Malmo who are viewed as on Rangers’ level.

Marshall said: “If we lose this one, I think it will make things quite difficult going forward. Traditionally in Europe Rangers start quite well and fade towards the end but if Rangers want to get somewhere in this competition, they should be looking to take something from this game.”

A game that has both sets of fans viewing it as winnable sets it up for an entertaining affair on Thursday night.