Premiership giants Rangers will be looking to continue their excellent run of form when they travel to the Falkirk Stadium to take on Falkirk in the Scottish Cup this Sunday. The Ibrox club are coming into this fixture on the back of a 2-2 draw against Portuguese outfit Benfica, where despite picking up a two goal lead in the second half, they were unable to see out the win. Although Gerrard will undoubtedly be disappointed that they couldn’t hold on to the result, he will take motivation from the performance that the team put in.
Rangers’ most recent league outing saw them beat Aberdeen by a 4-0 scoreline, in a result that not many would’ve predicted. The Dons are far from the easiest side to beat in the Scottish top-flight, but Gerrard’s men made it seem like nothing more than a walk in the park. With a relatively simpler task on the horizon this weekend, the manager is likely to ring in the changes all across the pitch. Whatever team they play, the fans will be confident that they can come away from the tie with the win.
Team News
Gerrard has what is almost a full-strength squad to choose from for this clash, with Nikola Katic the only player who’s sure to be unavailable for selection. Joe Aribo missed the midweek game against Benfica with a slight knock, but the Nigerian is expected to make his return to the squad this time around. Alfredo Morelos is another player who pulled up on a couple of separate instances in that Europa League match, but he should be fit enough to make the team as well.
Here Is The Predicted 4-3-3 Rangers Lineup Vs Falkirk:
Predicted 4-3-3 Rangers Lineup Vs Falkirk
Defence
Allan McGregor has been reinstated as the Gers’ first-choice shot-stopper this season. Still, this cup game could hand Steven Gerrard the perfect opportunity to give summer signing Jon McLaughlin some much-needed playing time. In front of him, expect to see Filip Helander returning to the starting eleven, to be partnered up by Connor Goldson at the back. With no real alternate in the right-back role, James Tavernier should continue down the flank, while Borna Barisic could be replaced by Calvin Bassey.
Midfield
This match could see summer loan signing Bongani Zungu being handed his first start for Rangers. The South African’s substitute appearance in the win against Hamilton showed him in a good light, which means that Gerrard will now be eager to give him a run out from the start. Glen Kamara is the player that the manager could choose to start alongside the new arrival. Ianis Hagi could also be brought into the starting eleven for the clash, albeit in a slightly more advanced role than the two aforementioned midfielders.
Attack
This is where Gerrard is likely to ring in the changes, with an entirely new look front-line likely to start. Brandon Barker is expected to come into the side in one of the wide roles, while summer signing Cedric Itten should operate over on the opposite flank. The central striker’s role could be taken up by veteran Englishman Jermain Defoe, with Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe both expected to be given what is a well-deserved rest.
