Glasgow Rangers will likely be aiming to enter the worldwide break by placing their European disappointment behind them from Thursday night and securing all three factors in opposition to St Johnstone.
By the point the Gentle Blues take to the pitch, they may path each Celtic and Aberdeen by eight factors within the Premiership desk. This implies three factors are crucial, or Philippe Clement will come underneath some extreme stress.
The 4-1 defeat to Lyon in midweek highlighted the gulf at school between the 2 groups, though if the Gers had gamers who had been extra scientific within the field, the outcome may have been totally different.
Because of the sharp turnaround between matches, Clement will seemingly make a number of adjustments to his group forward of the conflict in opposition to the Saints on Sunday night.
A number of of the beginning XI on Thursday night ought to be dropped to the bench, giving others an opportunity to shine. With this in thoughts, Soccer FanCast predicts the group that the Belgian will select tomorrow night in what’s a must-win sport for the membership…
1
Jack Butland
Goalkeeper
The Englishman conceded his first objectives because the 3-0 loss to Celtic in the course of the conflict in opposition to Lyon and will likely be hoping to document his fifth league shutout in opposition to the Saints.
Butland has proven flashes of his brilliance in the course of the opening few weeks of the season as he stays a key a part of the beginning XI underneath Clement.
2
Neraysho Kasanwirjo
Proper-back
James Tavernier has held onto the right-back slot longer than anybody anticipated, particularly after some poor early showings this season.
Whereas his defensive qualities have all the time been suspect, his attacking output greater than made up for this. Final season, he scored 24 occasions and grabbed 12 assists, but he misplaced possession 24.6 occasions per sport on common.
In opposition to the Saints, on-loan defender Kasanwirjo may come into the beginning XI instead of Tavernier. The Dutchman shone on his European debut in opposition to Malmö final week, ending the sport with an 88% go success price and making one key go.
3
John Souttar
Centre-back
The Scot has performed each minute for Rangers this season, establishing himself because the first-choice centre-back on the membership.
He and Robin Propper saved 4 clear sheets in a row earlier than the loss to Lyon on Thursday night and there’s no doubt he should enhance from that show at Ibrox. Given his choices, Clement ought to proceed to make use of Souttar on the coronary heart of the defence.
4
Robin Propper
Centre-back
Dutchman Robin Propper has performed alongside Souttar in each sport because the final worldwide break, constructing a stable partnership. The Lyon sport was hopefully only a blip for the duo because the membership conceded 4 objectives for the primary time this season.
Regardless of the presence of Leon Balogun on the bench, Propper ought to be capable of retain his place.
5
Jefte
Left-back
Ridvan Yilmaz continues his restoration from damage, which implies Jefte ought to proceed to begin at left-back. The Brazilian has been one of many best signings made by Clement, displaying loads of promise regardless of his tender age.
He nonetheless has lots to work on, however probabilities within the beginning XI will allow him to proceed his growth.
6
Connor Barron
Centre-midfield
The previous Aberdeen midfielder has began all however one of the membership’s matches this time period as he already appears to be like like he has been at Ibrox for years, barking directions to older, extra skilled members of the group.
In opposition to Hibs final week, the Scot ran the present from midfield, taking 84 touches whereas succeeding with 89% of his passes. He additionally gained 4 of his six floor duels, displaying his tenacious aspect.
7
Nico Raskin
Centre-midfield
Mohamed Diomande is Barron’s regular midfield accomplice, however rotation may come into play tomorrow, that means the Ivorian might drop to the bench in favour of Raskin.
The Belgian has began simply as soon as all marketing campaign, getting used as a squad possibility as a result of midfield partnership of Barron and Diomande. Can he take his likelihood in opposition to St Johnstone?
8
Ross McCausland
Proper wing
Vaclav Cerny struggled in opposition to Lyon, lacking an open objective which might have given the Ibrox aspect the lead after simply seven minutes.
This might recommend Ross McCausland comes into the beginning XI instead of the Czech winger. Certainly, the Northern Irishman has already scored twice this time period, with a kind of objectives coming in opposition to St Johnstone within the League Cup.
9
Ianis Hagi
Attacking midfield
Sure, he might have been languishing within the B group, and sure, he might not have performed underneath Clement but, however now’s the time to lastly unleash Ianis Hagi, particularly as his latest contract dispute has been settled.
The £3m signing from 2020 seemed like he was able to exit Ibrox, however he knuckled down and confirmed his class throughout his B group outings. With Tom Lawrence coming off with an ankle damage in midweek, there isn’t any time like the current to throw Hagi into the deep finish.
10
Nedim Bajrami
Left wing
Whereas nearly all of the group struggled in opposition to Lyon, Bajrami’s class stood out among the many relaxation. It’s only a pity he didn’t have higher gamers round him.
Through the sport, the Albanian made three key passes, succeeded with all seven of his dribble makes an attempt and gained 8 of his 11 contested duels, but extra proof of his skills.
11
Hamza Igamane
Striker
Cyriel Dessers endured one more disappointing efficiency in midweek, lacking a giant likelihood whereas taking simply 21 touches throughout his time on the pitch.
This efficiency must see him dropped to the bench, giving Hamza Igamane one other likelihood to reveal his talents.
The teen began in opposition to Hibs final weekend, and he seemed vigorous, coming near opening his account for the Gentle Blues, however his effort didn’t hit the goal.
If he scores in opposition to the Saints, it may give him a serious confidence enhance, that’s for positive.
Predicted Rangers XI v St Johnstone: GK – Butland; RB – Kasanwirjo, CB – Souttar, CB – Propper, LB – Jefte; CM – Barron, CM – Raskin; RW – McCausland, AM – Hagi, LW – Bajrami; ST – Igamane
