Premiership leaders Rangers will be hoping to continue their excellent run of form when they welcome Polish giants Lech Poznań to the Ibrox Stadium this midweek. Steven Gerrard’s men have been the most consistent team in the Scottish top division by a distance now, especially after the turbulent week that Old Firm rivals Celtic have had across various competitions. The Gers currently sit a calming six points ahead of the Hoops atop the league table, but Celtic are not scheduled to play another league game for quite a while.
Rangers’ excellent week of footballing action actually started against the Bhoys, as Steven Gerrard’s men ran out comfortable winners in an inspiring 2-0 victory. As impressive and important as that result was, their next clash saw the Bears top the weekend’s score, as they kept a clean sheet against Belgian giants Standard Liege in the Europa League. The latest league clash also saw the Gers picking up all three points, after goals from Joe Aribo and Jermain Defoe sealed the deal for them.
Team News
Rangers don’t really have any first-team injury concerns to be worried about for this clash, as most of the roster is available for Gerrard to choose from. The only real concern will be Brandon Barker, but it must be considered that even if he was fit, the likelihood of him starting in this tie was rather bleak. Another issue that they had going into last week was an apparent knock picked up by Borna Barisic. With the Croatian having been named on the bench on the weekend, the Ibrox faithful don’t have too much to be concerned about.
Here Is The Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup Vs Lech Poznań:
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup Vs Lech Poznań
Defence
Despite the summer signing of Scottish international goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin, the trust that Gerrard has placed on the shoulders of Allan McGregor is understandable. With the veteran consistently putting up good displays, it’s unlikely that he will be dropped from the side.
In front of him, expect Leon Balogun to return to the starting eleven in place of Filip Helander, to partner Connor Goldson in the heart of the defence. Borna Barisic is likely to replace Calvin Bassey on the left side of the defence, with James Tavernier operating down the other flank.
Midfield
The weekend clash saw Gerrard bring back several important names into the side, and this Europa League fixture will give him the chance to mix things up a little bit. Ryan Jack’s return from injury has come as a major boost, with the Scot expected to retain his place in the core of the side. Alongside him, however, Steven Davis will likely be given a well-deserved rest, with Glen Kamara making his way back into Gerrard’s starting eleven. The duo will act as the main link between the Gers’ defence and attack lines.
Attack
Gerrard’s side have been far from their free-flowing best, and the first half display against Livingston was an indicator of the actual quality that they possess. Kemar Roofe is expected to make his way into the starting eleven, with Scott Arfield replacing Joe Aribo in the number ten role just in behind him.
Ianis Hagi started the weekend game in the wide position, and the Romanian is expected to retain his place in the side as well. Ryan Kent, who had a poor game against Livi, should start this fixture in the hope of being the difference-maker as well.
