Rangers will travel to Russia to take on FC Ufa to ensure their qualification in the Europa League main draws. They got a positive result at the Ibrox in the first leg as they secured a 1-0 win. However, the mood of the players would have taken a bit of a beating after they managed only a draw against Motherwell in the league this weekend where they conceded the equaliser deep into the stoppage time.
The Gers defence has been the talk of the town as they have shown immense improvement under the new gaffer. However, they let in three goals against Motherwell and Gerrard would be hoping that it was a one-off encounter.
Having kept a clean sheet at the Ibrox, Rangers should look to start on the front foot as one away goal will put them in a great situation. However, it is never easy to travel to Russia, and one can expect a hostile reception from the crowd.
Team News
Graham Dorrans, Jamie Murphy, Lee Wallace and Jordan Rossiter are still long-term absentees. Lassana Coulibaly is also expected to be unavailable.
Rangers predicted Lineup Vs FC Ufa
Formation (4-3-3)
Defence
Allan McGregor will start in goal. The defence was found wanting against Motherwell and Rangers for the first time under Gerrard, went behind, that too twice. They did well to equalise and get the lead, but they were far too easily opened by Motherwell throughout the game. Gerrard would hope that his defenders would be back to their best as they try to get out of Russia unscathed. Nikola Katic and Connor Goldson will be the centre-back pairing. James Tavernier and Jon Flanagan are likely to take on their usual full-back roles.
Midfield
Ryan Jack would be expected to play in a more conservative role in midfield, and he will be partnered by Ovie Ejaria and Scott Arfield. We can expect 2 of the three midfielders to sit back and defend deep as Rangers will be keen to hold on to their advantage.
Attack
Ryan Kent and Daniel Candeias would be expected to start out wide. Apart from providing attacking outlet, the manager will be hoping that the two would track back and support their fullbacks while defending.
Gerrard could be tempted to name new signing Kyle Lafferty in the playing eleven after his brace against Motherwell but, we believe that the Gers don’t need to chase the game as they have a one-goal advantage, so going in with both Lafferty and Alfredo Morelos doesn’t make sense. The Colombian forward would be expected to lead the line alone in this game.
