Rangers will travel to East Ayrshire to take on Kilmarnock at the Rugby Park hoping to seal a passage through to the next round of the Scottish League Cup. The Teddy Bears managed to earn a goalless draw in their midweek European clash versus Maribor which was enough for them to advance into the next round of the UEFA Europa League. Steven Gerrard would now have to select a team good enough to see off the Killies this weekend and might hand a few of the club’s youngsters a rare first-team run out.
We expect the Gers boss to opt for a 4-4-2 formation and make a whole host of changes to his side. However, Steve Clarke could name a strong Kilmarnock team which will be a cause for concern for the away supporters. The Teddy Bears need to win a trophy this season, and the Scottish League Cup serves as one of their best opportunities to do so. Hence, anything other than a victory for the Light Blues will not be acceptable by the Gers faithful.
4-4-2 Rangers Predicted Lineup To Face Kilmarnock
Defence
Wes Foderingham is expected to start ahead of Allan McGregor for this Scottish League Cup second round clash versus the Killie. Both Ross McCrorie and Kyle Bradley could play at the heart of the Gers defence while Lee Hodson takes his place at right-back. New signing, Borna Barišić would operate as the left-back.
Gerrard’s men managed to keep a clean sheet in their last outing against Maribor in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League qualifying tie, so they would come into this game full of confidence that they can keep the Kilmarnock attackers quiet on the day.
Midfield
Ovie Ejaria and Stephen Kelly will pair up as the holding midfielders at the centre of the park. The performance of the duo is crucial if the Glaswegian giants are to get a favourable result on Sunday.
Ryan Kent might start on the right flank and would hopefully put in a tireless shift against a resolute Killie side. Andy Halliday is expected to operate on the left side of the Gers midfield.
Attack
Umar Sadiq and Glenn Middleton could lead the lines for the away team up top. This Cup game will provide the duo with an ideal opportunity to prove their worth under the watchful eyes of Steven Gerrard. A goal in this game could give them more chances in Gerrard’s first XI in the near future and so they should give it their all to help the Gers secure qualification into the next round.
