A late goal against Malmo kept the Champions League hopes alive for Rangers ahead of hosting the Swedish side next midweek at Ibrox. However, they must overcome the test at Tannadice against Dundee United on Saturday lunchtime and maintain the winning streak in the Premiership having defeated Livingston 3-0 in the opening gameweek.
It’s a second successive top-flight season for the Tangerines who comfortably avoided the relegation scare a couple of months ago. They endured a 2-0 defeat against Aberdeen last weekend, and therefore, must replicate the resilience of the previous campaign to put up a fight against the reigning champions.
Predicted 4-3-3 Rangers Lineup To Face Dundee United
Defence
The early signs suggest that Steven Gerrard is set to rotate his keepers. While Jon McLaughlin got the nod against Livi over Allan McGregor, the latter was restored between the sticks for the Malmo encounter. We might see McLaughlin retaining his ‘number 1’ status in league fixtures.
James Tavernier assisted twice last week but was at fault when Malmo doubled their lead minutes into the second half. The skipper is expected to make marauding runs and pinpoint crosses from the right-hand flank, but he should maintain the composure at the back while performing his defensive duties. Connor Goldson, too, had a nervy occasion on Tuesday night, yet his sheer expertise in deep defence would be essential against hitman Lawrence Shankland. Leon Balogun should return to the starting XI, also, the manager must rely on Borna Barisic’s experience even though Calvin Bassey had a stellar impact versus Livi while featuring as a left fullback.
Midfield
Joe Aribo missed the Malmo game mysteriously but could be back in the squad for the Glasgow return. Ryan Jack continues his rehab to get rid of a long-standing calf injury, whereas the heart issue detected in the scan has ruled out Nnamdi Ofoborh indefinitely. Glen Kamara was suspended for the European clash and is likely to replace Scott Arfield in the middle of the park. Steven Davis is a workhorse at 36 and his presence in the centre of the pitch allows the Gers to dominate the show and dictate the tempo entirely. John Lundstram is settling down in new surroundings and should grab back to back starts if Aribo fails to recover in time.
Attack
Alfredo Morelos is available again having completed his quarantine. But the Colombian might not be handed a start instantly with Kemar Roofe ready to lead the line after finding the net last week. Ianis Hagi is still recovering from a knock, however, the emergence of Scott Wright has been exquisite considering his impact down the right. The opposite flank belongs to Ryan Kent who should keep on causing problems in United defence with his pace, power and swift footwork.
