Rangers suffered a dreadful defeat against Union Saint-Gilloise in the first leg of the Champions League third qualifying round. It’s a massive setback for the Light Blues, but gaffer Giovanni van Bronckhorst must regroup his side before locking horns with Kilmarnock on Saturday afternoon.
It is the Gers’ first official game at Ibrox and Killie, who have grabbed an immediate promotion after a season in the Championship, earned a stunning late point last weekend when Ash Taylor’s injury-time equalizer secured a draw against Dundee United at Rugby Park. The upbeat Derek McInnes might frustrate Rangers once more by executing his defensive strategy similar to the Aberdeen days.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Kilmarnock
Defence
Jon McLaughlin had a tough time between the sticks against Union SG. Yet he should keep his place ahead of Allan McGregor and try cementing the ‘number 1’ role after waiting patiently for two seasons.
Skipper James Tavernier would be a constant threat down the right with his marauding runs, crosses, cut insides, set-piece expertise and scoring ability. Connor Goldson would keep his place in the heart of the backline, but the gaffer might opt for Ben Davies to partner with his compatriot amid John Souttar’s injury concern. Ridvan Yilmaz was introduced as a second-half substitute in Belgium and the young Turkish left-back should grab a start replacing Borna Barisic in the upcoming fixture.
Midfield
Neither Glen Kamara nor Ryan Jack has impressed enough as the double pivot alongside John Lundstram. Versatile James Sands has been deployed as a centre-half so far this term, but his pace and work ethic could be utilized deep down the midfield.
Ryan Kent remains a doubt with an ankle injury and the Dutchman, therefore, should bank on Tom Lawrence who mostly operated from the left during his Derby County tenure. Malik Tillman is still attuning to the aggression of the Scottish game, but the ‘number 10’ role suits his style of play. Rabbi Matondo, the other summer recruit, must occupy the right-hand flank due to his flair and composure in the attacking third. Apart from Kamara and Jack, the likes of Steven Davis, Scott Arfield, Fashion Sakala and Scott Wright might get introduced as ‘super subs’.
Attack
Although it is too early to judge a player, Antonio Colak has been below par both against Livingston and Union Saint-Gilloise. The Croatian is expected to spearhead the attack once more in the wake of Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe’s fitness problems, but he must step up his game to avoid further disappointment.
