Rangers are in rhythm after securing a place in the Champions League group stages. They maintained the momentum in the Premiership and registered a comprehensive 4-0 victory against Ross County on Saturday afternoon. The spirit must be high now among the fans and players ahead of hosting Queen of the South on Tuesday night in the Scottish League Cup second round.
The Doonhamers, currently competing in the third tier of Scottish football, are struggling for results in the league. But they have been exquisite in this competition with wins over Ayr, St. Johnstone and Elgin City. Having said that, QOS are no match for the Gers given the latter’s quality, depth as well as experience across the pitch, and gaffer Giovanni van Bronckhorst is expected to rotate his men in order to keep them fit and fresh for the season’s first Old Firm derby.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Queen of the South
Defence
Although Jon McLaughlin has been promoted as the new Light Blues ‘number 1’, this Cup contest might see veteran Allan McGregor making an appearance replacing his fellow countryman.
Young academy prospect Adam Devine was involved last season in a couple of first-team games and the manager should hand him a start as a right fullback resting James Tavernier. Connor Goldson is likely to retain his place in deep defence, however, 18-year-old Leon King is likely to get the nod alongside the veteran Englishman amid injuries to Filip Helander, Ben Davies and John Souttar. Ridvan Yilmaz is still attuning to the grind and demand of the Scottish game, but the fixture against the League One opponents might help him grow his confidence. It is to be seen though whether the Dutch boss prefers him over Borna Barisic down the left.
Midfield
John Lundstram needs to be rested after far too many appearances early into the campaign. Glen Kamara remains a doubt with a knee problem whereas Alex Lowry is sidelined for weeks after suffering an injury in their reserves game. Steven Davis and Ryan Jack should pair up to pull the strings as the ‘double pivot’.
Scott Arfield is an option who could operate from an advanced midfield role. Rabbi Matondo should feature from the right and it’s time to utilize Fashion Sakala who has hardly been deployed over the last month.
Attack
Antonio Colak is enjoying a stellar scoring streak. The Croatian will spearhead the attack against Celtic and a few goals this midweek should bolster him further as the Rangers ‘number 9’.
