A scintillating away win put Rangers in the driver’s seat ahead of hosting Antwerp at Ibrox in the return leg of the Europa League ‘Round of 32’ encounter. A few injury woes might trouble the Gers against the Belgian opponents, but the gaffer Steven Gerrard is confident of maintaining the streak, having secured a commanding weekend triumph over Dundee United.
Rangers, meanwhile, are only a couple of wins away from clinching their first Premiership crown in a decade. They are still unbeaten in the league as well as Europe and, therefore, are no more the underdogs, thanks to the quality and depth across the pitch. The Bears punched above their weight last season to enjoy a remarkable European run, but the massive upsurge in recent months should see them emulate the success barring any late slip-ups.
Predicted 4-3-3 Rangers Lineup To Face Antwerp
Defence
Allan McGregor has been outstanding between the sticks since returning to his boyhood club and is still irreplaceable at the age of 39. Conceded thrice in the first leg fixture but would look to retain a clean sheet at home.
Injury to skipper James Tavernier and the internal suspension of Nathan Patterson have exposed the Gers down the right-back spot. However, veteran Leon Balogun has slotted in well and impressed enough against Dundee United to retain the role until the Englishman returns to action.
This would see Filip Helander keeping hold of his central defensive status alongside ever-reliable Connor Goldson. Borna Barisic’s heroics earned the Light Blues a stupendous away win and the Croatian should still carry on the penalty duties despite missing from the spot versus the Tangerines.
Midfield
Ryan Jack left the pitch early this weekend after feeling a calf strain. His absence would be a major blow for the Glasgow giants unless the Scotsman speeds up his recovery. Gerrard has tried to manage Glen Kamara’s minutes in recent weeks and the Finnish professional would have a key role in the middle of the park for his vision and technicality. Steven Davis is still going strong in his mid-thirties, whereas the flair and flexibility of Joe Aribo should be utilised to dominate the show from midfield. Scott Arfield is there to play his part at some stage of the contest.
Attack
Kemar Roofe’s injury should see Ianis Hagi operating from the right-hand flank. The Romanian has stepped up his game of late and the prolific goal-scoring traits of Alfredo Morelos would boost Rangers’ chances against Antwerp. Ryan Kent has found the net on back to back occasions and would look to put the visitors on the back foot once more with his pace, power and precision.
