Although it’s only the early days, Rangers already feel the heat with back-to-back games. They have made it to the playoffs of the UEFA Champions League, however, the test would be sterner next midweek against PSV. Michael Beale must opt for a squad rotation while hosting Greenock Morton in the Scottish League Cup second-round fixture.
The Ton have won and lost once so far in the second tier of the Scottish pyramid. While they must aim for Premiership football, Dougie Imrie and his men would undergo an uphill battle on Saturday afternoon. The Light Blues are aiming for momentum after a mixed run of results but, at the same time, must avoid further injury woes after a gruelling battle against Servette.
Predicted 4-3-3 Rangers Lineup To Face Greenock Morton
Defence
Rangers have roped in Jack Butland on a Bosman to replace Allan McGregor between the sticks. With Jon McLaughlin’s Ibrox future in jeopardy, it’s high time the gaffer starts deploying Robby McCrorie who is waiting patiently for his opportunities.
Skipper James Tavernier was once again instrumental to their European success versus the Swiss opponents. But the right fullback must be rested tomorrow in favour of Dujon Sterling. Teenage sensation Leon King might partner with Leon Balogun in the heart of the backline ahead of Connor Goldson and John Souttar. Meanwhile, Borna Barisic is expected to keep his place down the left amid Ben Davies and Ridvan Yilmaz’s injury absence.
Midfield
John Lundstram missed the Servette ties due to personal reasons but is tipped to return to action for this weekend’s encounter. Kieran Dowell could grab a start and form a ‘double pivot’ alongside the ex-Sheffield United star. Todd Cantwell, Ryan Jack, Jose Cifuentes and Nicolas Raskin deserve a few days off after a tiring trip to Switzerland, but we might see Ianis Hagi back in the middle of the park. His flexibility would allow Beale to tweak his set-up to a 4-2-3-1 or 4-2-4 during the game.
Attack
Rangers have revamped the attacking third and replaced the likes of Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos, Fashion Sakala and Antonio Colak with Sam Lammers, Cyriel Dessers, Danilo and Abdallah Sima. Beale has rotated them across the frontline and the upcoming contest won’t be an exception with Dessers and Lammers likely to be restored in the starting XI. Danilo should slot in down the left as his pace and swift skills might cause menace in the Greenock defence.
