Rangers are yet to find any rhythm so far this campaign, but they have progressed to the playoffs of the Champions League defeating Servette on aggregate. They had a dreadful European run last season under Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s tutelage, but the Dutchman’s successor Michael Beale must aim for a better outcome if they qualify for the group stages defeating PSV Eindhoven.
It won’t be a stroll in the park for the Light Blues who have witnessed a significant transition following several incomings as well as outgoings over the past couple of months. They could bring in a few more names before the window is slammed shut by the end of this month, however, any deal would largely depend on their Champions League future.
Predicted 4-3-3 Rangers Lineup To Face PSV
Defence
Jack Butland is expected to be the Gers ‘number 1’ in all competitions, particularly after getting a nod on Saturday afternoon in the Scottish League Cup second-round fixture versus Greenock Morton. But he would undergo a busier occasion against Peter Bosz’s men who have made a strong start with five successive wins across tournaments.
Skipper James Tavernier will return to action with a view to causing menace with his overlapping runs, crosses and goal-scoring traits from the right-hand flank. John Souttar is likely to partner with Connor Goldson in the heart of the backline, also the gaffer should bring back Borna Barisic down the left amid the injury absence of Ridvan Yilmaz. It would be an intriguing contest against the PSV attackers, including ex-Rangers playmaker Malik Tillman.
Midfield
Ryan Jack should be back in the starting XI and control the game from the centre of the pitch. Nicolas Raskin could be deployed as a box-to-box midfield option with more focus on a holding role, whereas Todd Cantwell is tipped to be the other ‘number 8’ who would exhibit his attacking expertise and link up with his fellow forwards. The likes of Jose Cifuentes, Kieran Dowell, Ianis Hagi and John Lundstram might get involved as ‘super subs’ deep into the game.
Attack
Rangers have reconstructed the attacking third to replace Alfredo Morelos, Antonio Colak, Ryan Kent and Fashion Sakala. Cyriel Dessers, Sam Lammers, Abdallah Sima and Danilo have been utilized flexibly high up the pitch, particularly the latter who came on as a substitute and scored the winning goal last weekend. The Brazilian has also played for Ajax, Twente and Feyenoord, and his profound experience in Eredivisie could help the home side versus the Dutch hotshots. He should spearhead the attack allowing Sima and Dessers to occupy the wide attacking spots.
