Potential Postponement of Rangers and Hibernian Matches Due to European Play-Offs Engagements
Scottish Premiership Fixtures Face Potential Postponements Due to European Competition
The upcoming Scottish Premiership season is set to witness some unexpected changes, as the European competition commitments of Scottish clubs could lead to the postponement or rescheduling of certain domestic fixtures. This is particularly true for the matches involving Rangers and Hibernian.
Rangers vs St Mirren, a league fixture that remains scheduled, could potentially be affected as Rangers prepare for their European matches. While there is no indication yet that the game will be postponed, the club is under pressure to balance its European qualifiers and league matches. This delicate balance may influence squad selection and potentially lead to fixture adjustments if European progress extends further.
On the other hand, the Scottish Premiership cup quarter-finals, including the Rangers vs Hibernian tie, are currently "left in limbo" with dates to be announced only after UEFA competition scheduling is clarified. This suggests potential postponements or delays for these cup fixtures until European commitments are settled.
Hibernian, who have opted for a break to prepare for European football, are also managing the balance between domestic league matches and continental duties. Fixture rearrangements may occur if European games overlap or cause player strain.
Meanwhile, Hibernian will face Partizan Belgrade in the opening leg of their Conference League tie, while Rangers will take on Viktoria Plzen in the first leg of the Champions League third qualifying round. Both European ties will take place before the potential Scottish Premiership fixture postponement.
If both Rangers and Hibernian advance in their respective European competitions, they could potentially play their Scottish Premiership fixtures on different dates. This is contingent upon both teams advancing to the play-off rounds of European competition, which could lead to the postponement of their scheduled league matches.
In a related development, the match between Dundee United and Aberdeen has already been postponed to allow Dundee United to prepare for their Europa League play-off. Dundee United's Europa League play-off opponent is either FCSB of Bucharest or the Kosovan team Drita.
If both Dundee United and Rangers advance in their European competitions, it could further complicate the Scottish Premiership fixture calendar, necessitating more postponements and rescheduling. The impact of European matches demands flexibility in the Scottish fixture calendar, particularly for clubs active in UEFA competitions.
In conclusion, while league games like Rangers vs St Mirren should go ahead as planned for now, cup ties such as Rangers vs Hibernian are awaiting scheduling confirmation due to European competition, indicating a likelihood of postponements or fixture changes linked to European football commitments.
- Given the club's involvement in the Champions League third qualifying round against Viktoria Plzen, Rangers' upcoming Scottish Premiership fixtures might face postponements or rescheduling, as the club balances their league matches with European competitions.
- With Hibernian set to compete in the Conference League, their Scottish Premiership fixtures could potentially be affected if they advance further in the European competition, creating a need for fixture rearrangements to accommodate their European matches and potential play-off rounds.
