After Celtic’s humiliating defeat against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, it was Rangers’ turn on Thursday night when they suffered a disappointing 4-1 home defeat against Lyon in the Europa League. But the games are coming thick and fast for the Light Blues as they set to host St Johnstone on Sunday night for their upcoming Premiership encounter.
The Saints are not doing great, particularly after a disastrous 6-0 home defeat against the Hoops in the previous gameweek. They are struggling lower down the league standings with just 1 win in 7 games and the Gers, therefore, should avoid an upset at Ibrox and stay within five points of Celtic and Aberdeen who are yet to drop a point so far this campaign.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face St Johnstone
Defence
Jack Butland grabbed four successive clean sheets until he faced Lyon. He has restored stability between the sticks after a nervy Old Firm cash and it remains to be seen whether the Englishman secures another one before the international break.
Rangers have found some stability in the defensive third with Robin Propper and John Souttar showing signs of calmness and composure in the heart of the backline. Skipper James Tavernier might retain his starting status ahead of Neraysho Kasanwirjo, also, Jefte seems irreplaceable on the left amid the injury absence of Ridvan Yilmaz. But chances seems to be running out for the Rangers captain.
Midfield
Connor Barron was error prone against the French hotshots this midweek but the gaffer Philippe Clement is expected to stick with the young Scotsman deep down the midfield. Nicolas Raskin could replace Mohamed Diomande and form a ‘double pivot’ alongside Barron. The Ivorian, as well as Dujon Sterling, could be involved at some stage as second-half substitutes.
Meanwhile, the Gers endured a major blow when Tom Lawrence was forced off with a fresh injury concern. The Belgian boss does not have a like-for-like replacement for his in-form ‘number 10’, but he could rely on Kieran Dowell who has done well so far in various midfield roles. Shifting Nedim Bajrami as an attacking playmaker might be an option, however, the Albanian offers more as a wide attacker due to his flair, finesse and directness. Given the Czech ace’s late struggles, Ross McCausland should replace Vaclav Cerny on the right. Oscar Cortes and Rabbi Matondo remain sidelined with their respective hamstring and knee injuries.
Attack
Clement deployed Hamza Igamane as an outright ‘number 9’ against Hibernian, but he must play Cyriel Dessers from the start despite his underwhelming performance on European night.
