After back-to-back draws with Falkirk and Dundee United, Rangers bounced back in the league with a stellar 3-0 win on the road against Kilmarnock. They are now within six points of the top of the table spot, but a turnaround in Europe is less likely, particularly against the high-flying Hungarian outfit Ferencváros.
The Light Blues are stuck at the bottom end with just one draw and four defeats ahead of their trip to Budapest. The Green are going strong under Robbie Keane, and a win on Thursday night could see them climb to the zenith of the group phase standings, provided the other outcomes work in their favour. Rangers need three points to keep their knockout hopes alive, but a setback would shatter their European dreams, regardless of a strong run in the qualifiers.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Ferencváros
Defence
Despite a below-par 2024-25 season, Jack Butland has revived his form and cemented his position between the sticks. A strong performance at Rugby Park should boost his confidence before locking horns with the heavyweights from Hungary.
Skipper James Tavernier should return to the starting XI and replace Max Aarons down the right. His experience and expertise would be crucial in such a high-profile encounter. Injuries to John Souttar and Derek Cornelius leave Danny Rohl with Nasser Djiga and Emmanuel Fernandez as the only senior central defensive options available for selection. Also, 19-year-old Jayden Meghoma is expected to feature from the left, as he happens to be the only natural left fullback after both Jefte and Ridvan Yilmaz’s summer exit.
Midfield
Nicolas Raskin is arguably the most decorated and polished Rangers player from the current crop. He, alongside Connor Barron, must form a double pivot to calm things down in the middle of the park. Thelo Aasgaard has mostly been a disappointment so far, yet he might get the nod as a ‘number 10’, with Mohamed Diomande suspended following the marching order against Braga. Joe Rothwell remains a doubt due to a knock; however, Lyall Cameron deserves minutes from the bench, having impresssed in limited gametime.
Djeidi Gassama has the ability to make a difference from the wide. Also, the timely return of Mikey Moore would restore the depth amid injuries to Nedim Bajrami (also ineligible) and Oliver Antman.
Attack
Bojan Miovksi should be the preferred option up top afrer firing a brace against Killie. Youssef Chermiti and Danilo could be brought in as the second-half substitutes.
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