Danny Rohl has done an incredible job as the Rangers boss, having brought them back into the title race. The 49ers are backing him this month with quality additions. But the focus must be on Friday night’s Scottish Cup contest, as the current squad are capable enough to script a commanding victory over League Two minnows Annan Athletic.
The Gers were also drawn against the Galabankies four years back during Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s regime. They clinched a routine 3-0 victory, thanks to the first-half strikes from Filip Helander, Kemar Roofe and Fashion Sakala at Galabank. The Glasgow giants remain firm favourites in their own backyard, yet they must not be complacent, particularly after a shocking defeat last year against Queen’s Park.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Annan Athletic
Defence
Rohl should make a few changes to the lineup from the Aberdeen tie, with Liam Kelly expected to grab a rare start, replacing Jack Butland between the sticks.
Nasser Djiga is back from the AFCON, and the on-loan Wolves centre-half could grab a place in the heart of the backline alongside Emmanuel Fernandez. Dujon Sterling and Derek Cornelius remain sidelined with their respective injury woes, and the gaffer should protect John Souttar, who returned recently, after missing weeks of action due to a muscle strain. James Tavernier should be rested in favour of Max Aarons down the right, but the left fullback spot belongs to Jayden Meghoma for now, even though Rangers are closing in on Tuur Rommens. The Belgian might get involved at some point if registered before the Cup tie.
Midfield
January recruit Tochi Chukwuani should make his debut as a deep-lying playmaker. With Connor Barron and Bailey Rice ruled out with injuries, and Kieran Dowell not in the manager’s plans, Mohamed Diomande could be lined up alongside the Danish youngster, having played together at Nordsjælland.
Oliver Antman, who was also a teammate of both Diomande and Chukwuani, might reclaim a starting status down the right-hand flank. He was an unused substitute against the Dons, but should look to impress after a difficult start to life since his summer switch from Go Ahead Eagles. Findlay Curtis deserves a spot on the left, as he looked sharp and steady in limited appearances. Nicolas Raskin, Thelo Aasgaard, Djeidi Gassama and Mikey Moore would only be deployed if needed, whereas Rabbi Matondo and Danilo are likely to be protected after being transfer-listed. The club would consider loan offers for Lyall Cameron, but the young Scotsman could be reintegrated as an advanced playmaker, regardless of his potential exit later in the window.
Attack
Youssef Chermiti has featured as a ‘number 9′ in recent games, but the upcoming fixture could see Bojan Miovski spearhead the Light Blues’ attack.
