Why Rangers are guaranteed Europa League group stage football next season at worst amid coefficient rise

Rangers are guaranteed a minimum of Europa League group stage football next season thanks to Scotland's rise up the UEFA coefficient table.

Celtic look destined to lift the Scottish Premiership this season barring a major collapse in the final three games.

That would mean Ange Postecoglou's side secure a spot in the group stage of the Champions League, following UEFA's latest sanctions to Russian clubs.

It would also leave Rangers finishing in second, and be guaranteed a spot in the group stage of the Europa League at worst.

Gio van Bronckhorst's side will enter in the Champions League third qualifying round as they look to join Celtic in the group stage.

However, should they go out at this stage, they would drop directly into the Europa League group stage.

This is because they will not be going through the Champions Path in the qualifying stages.

Defeated sides from the third qualifying round on that path drop into Europa League playoff round, which could eventually lead to parachuting into the Europa Conference League.

Despite the safety net, Rangers will be focused on reaching the Champions League by winning the Europa League.

Should they lift the trophy in Seville that would mean they join Celtic and go directly into the group stage. Rangers would be seeded in pot one in the group stage draw as Europa League winners.