After a dreadful 7-1 defeat against Liverpool in the Champions League, Rangers bounced back on Sunday afternoon as they clinched an edgy 2-1 win on the road versus Motherwell. While they are still a couple of points behind Celtic in the Premiership standings, the upcoming Scottish League Cup contest against second-tier Dundee should be a stroll in the park for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men on Wednesday night.
Having said that, the Gers must not get complacent given their lack of momentum and injury concerns. Gio has failed to build an identity despite being at Ibrox for almost a year and a few of his key players must show more commitment and professionalism to regain the lost status.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Dundee
Defence
Allan McGregor reclaimed the ‘number 1’ status in recent weeks, but he is expected to make way for Jon McLaughlin, particularly after an underwhelming display at Fir Park. McLaughlin, too, has been nervy between the sticks and it remains unclear why the manager does not rate Robby McCrorie in spite of steady performances in limited opportunities.
18-year-old Leon King has emerged as a crucial central defensive option amid injuries to Connor Goldson, John Souttar and Filip Helander. The teenager must keep his place, but the Dutch boss should rest Ben Davies with no other senior centre-half available.
James Sands is likely to return to action to partner with King in the heart of the backline. Ridvan Yilmaz is undergoing a frustrating spell and deserves a start down the left ahead of Borna Barisic. Adam Devine, the other academy prodigy, has been impressive in a bit-part role and is tipped to replace skipper James Tavernier on the right-hand side of Rangers’ ‘back four’.
Midfield
John Lundstram should be rested, but injuries to Glen Kamara and Ryan Jack leave the Gers with 37-year-old Steven Davis and young Charlie McCann as deep-lying midfield options. They should operate as the double pivot in order to marshall the backline as well as take part in attacking transitions.
Fashion Sakala was surprisingly dropped versus Motherwell despite impressing against Hearts and Liverpool. He must be restored down the right, whereas Rabbi Matondo could be shifted to the left in place of Ryan Kent. Malik Tillman scored a spectacular goal last weekend the young USMNT international must occupy the ‘number 10’ spot amid injuries to Ianis Hagi and Tom Lawrence. Scott Wright and Scott Arfield might get minutes as ‘super subs’ at a later stage of the fixture.
Attack
Alfredo Morelos has lost his assured first-team status amid Antonio Colak’s scintillating scoring streak. The Colombian should get the nod for this Cup tie and grab his opportunity by making his name appear on the scoresheet.
