Despite a dismal run of results under Michael Beale, Rangers have regained their form and finesse since the appointment of Philippe Clement as the new Ibrox chief. The Belgian is still unbeaten across competitions and the upbeat Gers must settle the score on Sunday afternoon against Aberdeen at the Pittodrie Stadium.
Rangers endured a 3-1 home defeat when these two sides clashed heads earlier this campaign. The outing proved to be Beale’s final league game in charge of the Glasgow Giants and they can’t afford another setback now considering their revival in the Premiership chase over the past few weeks. These two sides will lock horns again in less than a month – this time at Hampden Park for the League Cup final.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Aberdeen
Defence
The Dons are struggling at the wrong end of the Premiership standings, but they would test Jack Butland’s resolve in Rangers’ goal.
John Souttar is still a few days away from regaining full fitness and the gaffer is likely to rely on Ben Davies ahead of Leon Balogun in deep defence. Connor Goldson is irreplaceable in the heart of the backline, and so is skipper James Tavernier who has been relentless down the right with his overlapping runs, crosses and set-piece expertise. Ridvan Yilmaz has been deployed sporadically in recent games, but the Turkish youngster might find himself among the substitutes with Borna Barisic expected to feature from the left.
Midfield
Nicolas Raskin could be a touch-and-go for the Aberdeen clash, but the gaffer should have John Lundstram and Ryan Jack operating as the ‘double pivot’ in the middle of the park. They would script attacking transitions from the deep with their down-the-middle runs, passing and distribution. Jose Cifuentes and Kieran Dowell are also there to deputise the midfield pair at some stage in the second half.
Although the Light Blues are still without Rabbi Matondo, the emergence of Ross McCausland should excite the fans. The young academy prodigy was handed a start against Livingston, but he remains doubtful with a knock which ruled him out for Northern Ireland in their UEFA Euro qualifiers win against Denmark. Todd Cantwell could feature from the right, also, the availability of Tom Lawrence makes the Welshman an automatic choice for the ‘number 10’ spot. High-flying Abdallah Sima has cemented his place down the left-hand flank. Sam Lammers and Scott Wright should get involved as ‘super subs’ given their flexibility across the frontline.
Attack
Both Cyriel Dessers and Danilo are firing in week in, week out. But the latter is tipped to get the nod for his sharpness in the attacking third. Kemar Roofe is also an option, but the Jamaica international has slipped down the pecking order due to form and fitness concerns.
