A shambolic 2-0 defeat against Dynamo Kyiv at Hampden Park knocked Rangers out of the Champions League qualifiers. The Light Blues must bounce back on Saturday afternoon when they will host St Johnstone in the second round of the Scottish League Cup.
While the Gers struggle for form, quality and confidence, the spirit must be sky-high in the Saints camp following an emphatic 3-0 win on the road against Kilmarnock.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face St Johnstone
Defence
Jack Butland has cemented the ‘number 1’ status across competitions, but his distribution was below par on Tuesday night while playing it out from the back. Liam Kelly has been waiting for his opportunities since completing a Bosman move earlier this window, and the gaffer Philippe Clement should give him a nod for the Cup games ahead of the England international.
Dujon Sterling has exhibited versatility across the pitch, but the former Chelsea youngster deserves minutes in his preferred right fullback role. He must feature over James Tavernier, also, new signing Jefte could operate from the left despite receiving a marching order against Dynamo early into the second half. Robin Propper might keep his place irrespective of an underwhelming start to life in Rangers colours and the Dutchman is likely to be partnered with John Souttar who has appeared in all the games so far this season.
Midfield
Clement has relied on a ‘double pivot’ deep down the midfield. However, he has deployed Connor Barron and Mohamed Diomande extensively amid the injury absence of Nicolas Raskin. He should rest Barron for this weekend’s tie in favour of Kieran Dowell in the centre of the pitch.
Yet the Gers lack options in the ‘number 10’ spot with Tom Lawrence being the only name available for selection. Ianis Hagi, Todd Cantwell and Alex Lowry do not belong to the manager’s plans and the Glasgow side must explore the market for a fresh addition before the window is slammed shut. Vaclav Cerny should start down the right replacing Ross McCausland, and so is Scott Wright, who was not involved against the Ukrainians. Rabbi Matondo could deputize the Scotsman on the left-hand flank.
Attack
The Belgian boss is over-reliant on Cyriel Dessers high up the pitch. The Nigerian has found the net twice so far this campaign but, at the same time, lacked work rate and prolificness while spearheading the attack. Danilo should get a chance, at least as a second-half substitute, having made no appearance across competitions.
