Rangers are still undergoing transition under Steven Gerrard but have retrieved their reputation in Europe to some extent. They have made it through to the group stages of Europa League on successive occasions and are relishing the opportunity of clashing heads with the heavyweights like Porto, Feyenoord and Young Boys.
The Gers are set to host Feyenoord on Thursday night and are rejuvenated once more after turning things around against Livingston on Saturday afternoon. The Dutch heavyweights are yet to find the rhythm in Eredivisie and Rangers, therefore, should make the most of it at Ibrox to stun their opponents defying the odds.
Rangers vs Feyenoord Team News
Gerrard rushed Ryan Kent against Livi, and the youngster was eventually forced to leave the pitch minutes before the half time break with a hamstring injury. Jon Flanagan had a hernia surgery during the international break and is set to be sidelined for a while before returning to the first-team action. Ryan Jack returned injured from his Scotland duties, and the contest against Feyenoord might be too soon for the midfield ace who is yet to join the team training. Jordan Jones is ruled out with a knee injury whereas Greg Stewart remains a doubt due to a calf strain.
Rangers vs Feyenoord Formation
The former Liverpool great has mostly preferred a 4-3-3 initially before tweaking the set-up based on the intensity and status of the match. He is likely to retain the same against Jaap Stam’s juggernaut.
Defence
At 37, Allan McGregor is incredible as well as irreplaceable in the last line of Rangers defence. He must keep his place between the sticks ahead of their previous ‘number 1’ Wes Foderingham.
Skipper James Tavernier was outrageous last weekend and should look to replicate a similar show against such a tricky opponent. Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic are expected to pair up once again in the heart of their backline. Andy Halliday was given the nod against Livingston in place of injured Flanagan, but the gaffer should prefer Borna Barisic this time around for his attacking intent and game-changing attributes from the left-hand flank.
Midfield
Ryan Jack’s absence is a worrying sign. However, the experience of Steven Davis might come in handy in the middle of the park. Glen Kamara and Joe Aribo should be lined up from the start for their composure on the ball, holding attributes and creative sparks. But the trio must keep it rolling in the centre of the pitch and dominate possession against such a competent and adept outfit.
Attack
Brandon Barker marked his Ibrox debut with a goal and might just have done enough to cement his place down the left amid the injury absence of Kent, Jones and Stewart. Alfredo Morelos is in red-hot form and should spearhead the Light Blues’ attack ahead of veteran Jermain Defore. But they must bank on the experience of versatile Scott Arfield on the right replacing Sheyi Ojo even though the Liverpool loanee has impressed so far in these early weeks with timely contributions.
