Rangers are finally back to winning ways following an edgy yet crucial 2-1 victory against Motherwell. But a massive midweek clash awaits when the Gers will host Dynamo Kyiv at Hampden Park for the return leg of the Champions League third qualifying round contest.
An injury-time equalizer from Cyriel Dessers earned Rangers a result in the first-leg fixture. They must be in the driver’s seat on Tuesday night but, at the same time, should avoid defensive lapses to prevent further setbacks. Dynamo, too, secured a weekend win against NK Veres Rivne on an identical scoreline and the upcoming encounter won’t be a stroll in the park for either side.
Defence
Jack Butland has maintained his form and finesse between the sticks. He has cemented his place as the Gers’ ‘number 1’ and is expected to get the nod ahead of Liam Kelly against The Blue & Whites.
Despite being erroneous at the back, skipper James Tavernier should operate from the right for his attacking prowess and set-piece skills. Philippe Clement has yet to find a stable central defensive pairing, however, the experience of Leon Balogun and the composure of John Souttar could see Robin Propper and Ben Davies named among the substitutes. Ridvan Yilmaz must continue as the left fullback ahead of Jefte.
Midfield
Connor Barron has impressed deep down the midfield amid the injury absence of Nicolas Raskin. The young Scotsman should keep his place alongside Mohamed Diomande to form a ‘double pivot’ in the centre of the pitch. Kieran Dowell and the versatile Dujon Sterling could get involved as second-half substitutes.
The Light Blues have multiple wide attacking options in their ranks with Ross McCausland, Vaclav Cerny, Rabbi Matondo and Scott Wright being rotated in the previous outings. Cerny scored a stunning goal on Saturday afternoon and the Czech winger is likely to start back-to-back games having been subbed off against Well before the hour mark. Scott Wright might feature from the left amid the injury absence of Oscar Cortes. Also, Tom Lawrence is tipped to continue as the ‘number 10’ given Todd Cantwell, Ianis Hagi and Alex Lowry are demoted to the B Team.
Attack
Despite being wasteful against Hearts, Dessers has exhibited his poaching traits by finding the net on successive occasions. He would spearhead the Gers’ attack ahead of Danilo, and it remains to be seen if the Belgian boss deploys the Brazilian as a ‘super sub’.
