QRangers are slowly back in rhythm with four successive wins since suffering a 1-0 home defeat against Celtic earlier this month. But they are undergoing an injury crisis across the pitch ahead of locking horns with Aberdeen on Sunday afternoon in a tricky Premiership tie at Ibrox.
The Dons, on the other hand, are struggling at the wrong end of the league standings. Although they have gained some momentum following back-to-back victories over Ross County, the decimated Gers possess more threat and resilience as they hold the home advantage in this engaging encounter. Barry Robson has to be spot-on with his strategy in order to upset the Glasgow giants.
Predicted 4-3-3 Rangers Lineup To Face Aberdeen
Defence
Despite a difficult start to life, Jack Butland is now enjoying the best run of results between the sticks. He has not conceded in the past four games and it remains to be seen whether the Gers ‘number 1’ could stretch the clean-sheet streak this weekend.
Skipper James Tavernier remains an influence down the right thanks to his marauding runs, crosses, set-piece and scoring attributes. Despite finding the net against Livingston, left fullback Ridvan Yilmaz could make way for Borna Barisic. But the gaffer Michael Beale must stick with Connor Goldson and Ben Davies as they have restored stability in the heart of the backline. John Souttar, Leon Balogun and Dujon Sterling would offer the much-needed depth and cover across the defensive third.
Midfield
Rangers have a few absentees in the centre of the pitch with Nicolas Raskin and Kieran Dowell nursing their respective injury concerns. A 4-2-3-1 was gelling in well until the setbacks sustained by Tom Lawrence and Todd Cantwell. There is no specialist ‘number 10’ available for selection and the manager, therefore, is expected to field a traditional three-man midfield similar to midweek’s Livingston fixture. John Lundstram should operate from the deep as a ‘number 6’ which would allow Ryan Jack and Jose Cifuentes to feature as box-to-box options versus the Dons.
Attack
Rabbi Matondo is ruled out for weeks with a knee strain. Also, Danilo remains sidelined after fracturing his cheekbone versus St Johnstone a couple of weeks back. Kemar Roofe’s minutes must be managed carefully given his previous injury records and the Jamaica international could make way for Cyriel Dessers in the starting XI. While the latter would spearhead the attack, Abdallah Sima and Scott Wright could be deployed from the flanks having impressed in recent games by making their opportunities count. Sam Lammers has been utilized in multiple attacking slots and is tipped to be involved from the bench at some stage in the second half.
