Rangers seem to be a galvanized force under Philippe Clement as the Belgian boss guided them towards a crucial 2-1 win against Sparta Prague in the Europa League. The result has enhanced their knockout hopes and the upbeat Gers must now extend their winning streak by defeating Livingston on Sunday afternoon.
Livi are struggling at the wrong end of the Premiership standings with just two wins in 12 outings. A victory, on the other hand, would see Rangers reducing their deficit to five points with league leaders Celtic. David Martindale’s men have troubled the Light Blues at Almondvale repeatedly, but the latter’s Ibrox supremacy with successive 4-0 triumphs must have put the hosts under immense pressure irrespective of home advantage.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Livingston
Defence
Jack Butland has cemented his ‘number 1’ status across competitions. He would once again feature between the sticks with a view of registering a clean sheet for the first time since the Dundee trip earlier this month.
John Souttar is ruled out with a muscle strain and Clement, therefore, is likely to rely on Ben Davies and Connor Goldson in central defence. Leon King and Leon Balogun are also there as the understudy to the first-team stars, but the gaffer should not opt for rotation given most of his regulars would grab a much-needed rest during the upcoming international break. Skipper James Tavernier remains irreplaceable down the right, but we might see RIdvan Yilmaz getting a nod as the left fullback ahead of Borna Barisic.
Midfield
Although Nicolas Raskin is still nursing an ankle injury, the return of Kieran Dowell has restored their depth in the centre of the pitch. However, the Englishman must stay patient for his opportunity having lost his spot to Ryan Jack and John Lundstram deep down the midfield. Jose Cifuentes, too, has been struggling for minutes with Jack and Lundstram being resilient enough as the ‘double pivot’ in recent weeks.
Despite limited minutes, Scott Wright has impressed down the flanks amid injuries to Rabbi Matondo and Tom Lawrence. Lawrence is back in action, but the Welshman should not be rushed considering his persistent fitness problems. Wright could replace Todd Cantwell on the right, but the high-flying Abdallah Sima has cemented his place down the left with his skill and scoring ability. Sam Lammers, vastly improved as a ‘number 10’, is tipped to feature again this weekend.
Attack
Danilo seems to be Rangers’ go-to man to spearhead the attack over misfiring Cyriel Dessers and ever-injured Kemar Roofe. He has been scoring for fun since returning from injury and the early signs suggest that the Brazilian holds all the traits to become the long-term successor of Alfredo Morelos high up the pitch.
