Although it would be a colossal job for Rangers on Thursday night, they have earned this trip to Signal Iduna Park ahead of locking horns with mighty Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League knockouts. These two sides are meeting for the first time since the UEFA Cup 1999-2000 when the German giants progressed to the next round via tie-breaker after a 2-2 draw on aggregate.
The Gers, meanwhile, have lost the top of the Premiership spot to Celtic after suffering an Old Firm derby defeat earlier this month. They are keen on turning things around under Giovanni van Bronckhorst, the newly-appointed Rangers boss, who played for the Glasgow side in the aforementioned tie.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Borussia Dortmund
Defence
Veteran Allan McGregor is likely to return between the sticks replacing Jon McLaughlin. The latter got the nod in their Scottish Cup tie against Annan Athletic, but McGregor, being the Gers’ ‘number 1′, must deliver a majestic display to keep it tight against the free-flowing Bundesliga hotshots.
Skipper James Tavernier got a much-needed rest last weekend and is ready to reclaim his right-back spot. Connor Goldson should return in the heart of the backline, whereas Calvin Bassey is expected to partner him amid Leon Balogun’s injury absence. Jack Simpson and Filip Helander, the other central defensive options, have been dropped from the Light Blues’ European squad and Bassey’s place in deep defence would see Borna Barisic featuring as the left fullback.
Midfield
The manager must field his men in a 4-2-3-1 set-up in order to dominate the midfield game. Glen Kamara and Aaron Ramsey should operate from the deep as their flexibility and expertise would allow Van Bronckhorst to tweak the formation if necessary. Joe Aribo’s creativity and work ethics need to be utilized by handing him a free role in the middle of the park.
While the Nigerian is touted to start as an attacking playmaker, the pace and flair of Ryan Kent down the left might cause problems in Dortmund defence. Ianis Hagi’s absence is a major blow and the Gers, therefore, should bank on Scott Arfield’s experience in the right midfield slot. The likes of Fashion Sakala and Scott Wright are likely to find their place among substitutes.
Attack
Hitman Alfredo Morelos must spearhead the attack ahead of Cedric Itten or Kemar Roofe. The Colombian is in red-hot form since returning from international duty and his sensational scoring record in Europa League might stun the home side against the odds.
