Despite a 4-1 home defeat against Lyon in the Europa League, Rangers bounced back before the break with a routine 2-0 league win against St Johnstone. Players have returned unscathed from international duties, and the gaffer Philippe Clement must be rooting for another resilient performance from his men who would travel to Rugby Park to clash heads with Kilmarnock on Sunday lunchtime.
Killie grabbed an incredible fourth-place finish last season upon their top-flight return but are yet to hit the ground running so far this term. The East Ayrshire side, under Derek McInnes, grabbed all three points from this fixture in the opening gameweek of the 2023-24 campaign, and the Scottish boss’ stunning record against Rangers during his Aberdeen days highlights the likelihood of a weekend upset.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Kilmarnock
Defence
In-form Jack Butland once again missed out on England recall. But he must maintain his excellence between the sticks having secured five clean sheets in the last six outings across competitions.
After a dismal first few weeks, Rangers have finally found some stability in deep defence, with John Souttar and Robin Propper making their presence known in the heart of the backline. Skipper James Tavernier must balance his game while featuring from the right. Also, Ridvan Yilmaz’s persistent injury problem has allowed Jefte to cement his place as a left fullback. Versatile Neraysho Kasanwirjo and the veteran Leon Balogun should be among the substitutes to challenge and cover for first-team stars.
Midfield
Connor Barron must be elated following a late call-up for Scotland duties as the replacement for injured James Forrest. Although he was not involved against Portugal in a stalemate, his confidence and composure deep down the midfield should earn him a regular role in the forthcoming future. The Scotsman is expected to form a ‘double pivot’ alongside Mohamed Diomande as the latter deserves a nod over Nicolas Raskin, Dujon Sterling and Kieran Dowell in the centre of the pitch.
Meanwhile, the Light Blues would continue to miss several names in and around the attacking third. Ianis Hagi was reintegrated into the senior squad following Tom Lawrence’s injury, but a red card against the Saints has ruled him out for the upcoming contest. Oscar Cortes and Rabbi Matondo remain sidelined due to their long-term injury woes, and the gaffer should once again deploy Nedim Bajrami as a ‘number 10’ allowing Vaclav Cerny and Ross McCausland to occupy the wide midfield slots. Cerny is back in business with a brace in the previous game and McCausland, therefore, would feature from the left to accommodate the Czechia ace.
Attack
Cyriel Dessers is enjoying a great run of form high up the pitch. The Nigerian hitman must spearhead the attack with Hamza Igamane tipped to deputize him amid Danilo’s injury absence.
