It’s all over for Michael Beale at Rangers who has now been relieved from his managerial duties following a disastrous 3-1 defeat against Aberdeen. Steven Davis will be in charge as the interim chief ahead of clashing heads with Aris Limassol for their upcoming Europa League contest in Cyprus.
Despite a dismal league form, the Light Blues have started brightly in Europe with a win over Real Betis in the opening gameweek. Aris, on the other hand, suffered a 3-2 defeat against Sparta Prague in their previous European encounter. Rangers’ conundrum could be a psychological boost for the Cypriot side who must aim for all three points on Thursday night.
Predicted 4-3-3 Rangers Lineup To Face Aris Limassol
Defence
After four successive clean sheets across competitions, Jack Butland conceded thrice at Ibrox against the struggling Dons. He has been the Gers’ ‘number 1’ so far this season and the new boss Davis should rely on him this midweek ahead of Robby McCrorie or Kieran Wright.
Skipper James Tavernier needs to motivate his teammates on and off the pitch. He is irreplaceable down the right, and so is Borna Barisic, who should operate as the left fullback. In spite of the weekend blip, Connor Goldson and Ben Davies must pair up in the heart of the backline following an array of commendable performances over the past few weeks. John Souttar could get involved from the bench if a strategic alteration takes place at some point in the second half.
Midfield
With Nicolas Raskin and Kieran Dowell sidelined with their respective injury problems, Rangers will once again rely on John Lundstram to orchestrate their midfield game. Jose Cifuentes and Ryan Jack could be deployed as ‘number 8s’, but the lack of creativity in the middle of the park has troubled the Gers in recent outings.
Attack
Rangers are unable to field a ‘number 10’ due to the injury absence of Tom Lawrence and Todd Cantwell. Kemar Roofe is out again with a groin strain, also, the absence of Rabbi Matondo and Danilo has further decimated the Light Blues in and around the attacking third. Abdallah Sima should feature from the left and Sam Lammers, who is yet to settle in since his summer move from Atalanta, could get the nod down the right-hand flank. Amid injuries to Roofe and Danilo, Cyriel Dessers is likely to lead the line at the Alphamega Stadium. Scott Wright might get introduced from the bench with no other senior attacker available for selection.
