Rangers kick off their Scottish Premiership campaign on Sunday against Motherwell at Fir Park. The pieces of the jigsaw have started to fall in their place for the Gers after their shocking exit from Europa League at the hands of Luxembourg minnows, Progres Niederkorn. Pedro Caixinha’s troops, including their new signings, of course, looked good on the pitch and secured a draw against Marseille and defeated Watford and Sheffield Wednesday in their pre season friendly games.
It goes without saying that Celtic appeared to be miles ahead of Rangers last time around as they clinched the domestic treble and have started this season with a stupendous 4-1 win over Heart of Midlothian in their first Scottish Premiership game of the season. The Light Blues, after the signings they have made, will have an unprecedented pressure to perform and to hit the right chords from the very beginning. Here is how we anticipate Rangers lining up in their first game of the brand new season against the Steelmen.
Defence
Right at the heart of the defence in the setup of the former Al-Gharafa boss, the duo of Bruno Alves and Fabio Cardoso are seemingly likely to be stationed. For quite some time, the Teddy bears lacked a commanding leader at the back and they appeared to have found what they have been looking for in the shape of Alves.
Their defence looks pretty much sorted at this moment, and Lee Wallace and Lee Hodson should continue to keep their place in the starting line-up on the left-back and right-back slots, respectively, after impressing against the Owls. Wes Foderingham is expected to start with the gloves.
Midfield
New acquisitions in the shapes of Ryan Jack and Graham Dorrans should partner last season’s outcast Josh Windass in the middle of the park. Windass has shown some resurrection during the friendly games and is likely to be trusted by Caixinha. The midfielders would not only have to cushion the backline but will also have to be ensured that the attackers get the necessary support from them.
Attack
Veteran forward of the Teddy Bears Kenny Miller should be starting the proceedings up front as a striker with Daniel Candeias on the left wing and Eduardo Herrera on the right. Finding the back of the net was indeed an issue for the Glasgow giants in the last term, and they surely need to pull the strings together up front and bang goals on a regular basis this season if they are to give the Celts a run for their money.
Here is how they might line up:
