The wastefulness in front of goal cost Rangers severely against Motherwell on Sunday afternoon. It’s a massive setback for the Gers, particularly after suffering a 2-0 Europa League defeat against Lyon. They need to uplift their game to maintain domestic supremacy and Steven Gerrard must demand a reaction from his men on Wednesday night in the Scottish League Cup quarter-final tie versus Livingston.
While the Light Blues would be determined to win at Ibrox, a scintillating victory over Celtic has galvanized David Martindale’s side. Livi were rock-bottom in the Premiership prior to their weekend encounter and this outcome should motivate them to produce another spirited display, unlike the opening gameweek defeat against the reigning league champions.
Predicted 4-3-3 Rangers Lineup To Face Livingston
Defence
Gerrard has rotated his goalkeepers extensively in recent weeks before deploying veteran Allan McGregor on back to back occasions versus Lyon and Motherwell. But he might restore Jon McLaughlin between the sticks against last season’s League Cup runners-up.
Right fullback Nathan Patterson has been immense in limited appearances and should get the nod ahead of skipper James Tavernier for this midweek contest. Calvin Bassey deserves a start after impressing as the understudy to Borna Barisic down the left, but the gaffer must opt for the experience of Leon Balogun and Connor Goldson in deep defence. Jack Simpson had an underwhelming display against the Well, whereas Filip Helander remains sidelined with a knee strain.
Midfield
It’s high time Steven Davis gets some breathing space. At 36, he is being lined up twice a week and the Rangers chief needs to rotate him now with Juninho Bacuna finally unleashed last weekend. Joe Aribo and Glen Kamara must retain their place considering the technicality, work ethics, vision and creative spark they inject in the middle of the park. John Lundstram and Scott Arfield might get introduced at some stage along with Davis.
Attack
The Gers have a few absentees in the attacking third with Ryan Kent ruled out after picking up a hamstring injury against Lyon. Ianis Hagi has not been involved since being tested positive for COVID-19 during the international break, but we might see Alfredo Morelos gaining a starting role following a second-half cameo versus Motherwell. Scott Wright should operate from the left in place of Kent, however, the poaching traits and experience of Kemar Roofe must be prioritized despite Fashion Sakala’s maiden Rangers goal on Sunday.
