A Covid outbreak has left Rangers without their manager and several first team players as they head for Armenia to face an important Europa League qualifier against Alashkert.

With Steven Gerrard out, it falls on Gary McAllister to take the team and ensure crucial access to the riches of the six league games.

Our writers assess what the team might look like.

Jonathan McFarlane

Gary McAllister doesn't have a lot of room to make bold or unexpected selections based on the circumstances.

It can't be underestimated how important the game is for the financial health of the club and men who have dealt with the pressure before will be a huge help.

Fortunately, there are still plenty of warriors from the previous campaigns still available and the opposition are eminently beatable.

It's a huge night for Robby McCrorie who is thrust in at the sharp end with both senior keepers out. Fortunately he's seen top flight football on loan and this shouldn't be too big a jump.

The defence picks itself, although given Borna Barisic missed out on the squad for Ross County, it will be interesting to see if he starts or if Jack Simpson or Joe Aribo will be drafted into an unfamiliar position.

A midfield of Kamara, Davis and Arfield should be more than strong enough to deal with the Armenians and offers plenty of balance. There's poise and power in there.

With Ryan Kent and Scott Wright both out, Ianis Hagi and Joe Aribo can offer support to Alfredo Morelos up front while ensuring dominance in midfield.

Predicted line-up: McCrorie, Patterson, Barisic, Goldson, Helander, Arfield, Davis, Kamara, Hagi, Aribo, Morelos.

READ MORE: Rangers Covid outbreak: Steven Gerrard and other absentees revealed in full

Derek Clark

With the notable omissions due to Covid, Thursday's team more or less picks itself.

Without Jon McLaughlin and Allan McGregor, Robby McCrorie will get his chance to shine on the big stage.

Defensively, with James Tavernier and Calvin Bassey not travelling, you'd expect Nathan Patterson and Borna Barisic to fill both flanks.

It leaves Fil Helander and Leon Balogun battling it out to partner Connor Goldson, my money's on the Swede getting the nod.

The return of Glen Kamara in the Rangers engine room is huge. He is such a calming influence in European games and has been greatly missed in the previous ties.

The forward area should see Alfredo Morelos lead the line as usual with Ianis Hagi and perhaps Joe Aribo supporting given Ryan Kent and Scott Wright are missing and Kemar Roofe is still suspended.

Predicted line-up: McCrorie, Patterson, Barisic, Goldson, Helander, Davis, Kamara, Arfield, Hagi, Morelos, Aribo.