Rangers had a nervy start on Saturday afternoon, but they bounced back against Livingston with a 2-1 victory on the road. A trickier test awaits the Gers on Tuesday night as they will lock horns with Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in the Champions League third qualifying round.
The Brussels-based outfit will host the Europa League runners-up in the first leg contest. The little-known Belgians gained top-flight promotion only a year ago. But they defied the odds by securing the top-of-the-table status upon the completion of the regular campaign. Although they lost the race to Club Brugge in the playoffs, a place among the European elites should be viewed as an even bigger achievement given their low-key status.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Royale Union Saint-Gilloise
Defence
Jon McLaughlin must retain his place between the sticks ahead of Allan McGregor. The 40-year-old Scotsman has been Rangers ‘number 1’ since 2018. But it’s time to make way for his compatriot who has featured sporadically over the past two seasons.
Skipper James Tavernier was the saviour at Almondvale when his late free-kick beat past Shamal George in the Livi goal. The right fullback must continue to impress with his marauding runs, crosses and cut insides, but the performance of Borna Barisic was not up to the mark down the left-hand side. New signing Ridvan Yilmaz will travel with the squad. However, Giovanni van Bornckhorst must prefer Barisic’s experience in such a critical encounter.
Former Hearts centre-half John Souttar had a disappointing debut a couple of days back and the gaffer should opt for James Sands who looked more composed in the heart of the backline alongside Connor Goldson.
Midfield
John Lundstram has been exquisite in the centre of the pitch, and, therefore, should be the first name on the teamsheet among the midfield options. Glen Kamara did not look comfortable as a double pivot and the manager should hand a start to Ryan Jack, who had an impressive European run last season.
Rabbi Matondo is back from a minor injury problem which should see him featuring from the right-hand flank, replacing Scott Wright. Tom Lawrence is expected to operate as a ‘number 10’ and the pace and flair of Ryan Kent might make a difference down the left.
Attack
Antonio Colak is the only available ‘number 9’ amid injuries to Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe. The Croatia international must make the opportunities count by converting his chances.
