Rangers will face off against FK Shkupi at the Ibrox Stadium as part of the first leg in the preliminary qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League on Thursday night. Steven Gerrard will take charge of his first game as the Gers boss and might opt to start with seven of his new summer signings.
A lot of Rangers fans has been waiting for this day since the appointment of the English legend as the club’s new manager earlier this summer. The Teddy Bears will finally kick off their new season versus the Macedonian outfit who are expected to be prepared for the challenge that lies ahead.
The Glaswegian side bowed out at this stage of the competition last season and Gerrard will be hoping that they don’t bottle it once again this term. It is expected that the Gers will opt for a 4-3-3 formation and James Tavernier might start as the captain of the new look Rangers side.
The trio of Lee Wallace, Graham Dorrans and Jordan Rossiter are all sidelined because of injuries and won’t be available for this clash.
4-3-3 Rangers Predicted Lineup To Face FK Shkupi
Defence
Allan McGregor will start in goal for the Glaswegian outfit while Jak Alnwick has to settle for a place on the bench. The former Besiktas goalie might be guarded by a backline of Connor Goldson and Nikola Katić in central defence while Jon Flanagan operates as the left-back and James Tavernier is deployed on the right-hand side of the back four.
Both Fabio Cardoso and Lee Hodson might be available for a place on the bench. Steven Gerrard will hope that his defenders can keep it tight at the back versus their Macedonian opponents on Thursday so that they have a solid platform to go on and earn a victory on the night.
Midfield
The trio of Ovie Ejaria, Ross McCrorie and Scott Arfield could be deployed at the centre of the park and the performance of these players will be crucial if the Teddy Bears are to break down the FK Shkupi defence tonight. They will be responsible to press high up the pitch and win the 50-50 challenges against the Macedonian midfield.
Daniel Candeias might be on the bench for this season opener against Zekirija Ramadani’s team.
Attack
The front three would consist of the Alfredo Morelos spearheading Gerrard’s attack while Jamie Murphy looks to use his pace down the left wing. Josh Windass will start on the right side of the Gers attack and will look to register his name on the scoresheet.
