Rangers are due to commence their Scottish Premiership campaign with a trip to the Pittodrie Stadium on Sunday as they lock horns with Aberdeen. Under the stewardship of Steven Gerrard, the Gers have started on a positive note and they have secured their place in the third round of the Europa League qualifiers.
Their attention will turn to the league now and given that Derek McInnes’ troops are no pushovers, we expect an entertaining game of football.
Team News
Umar Sadiq is still short on fitness and is unlikely to feature. Declan John, Lee Wallace, Jordan Rossiter and Graham Dorrans are still sidelined owing to injury. Apart from them, Gerrard has no fresh injury concerns to worry about.
Here is how we expect the Light Blues to start this weekend against the Dandies.
PREDICTED RANGERS LINE-UP TO FACE ABERDEEN (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Allan McGregor is expected to start under the bar. The 36-year-old custodian is immensely experienced and has firmly established himself at Rangers after his free transfer earlier this summer.
Defence
The duo of Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic are expected to team up as the central defensive pairing tomorrow. Both the newcomers have looked comfortable in whatever little we have seen of them till now.
After impressive displays in the Europa League, club captain James Tavernier will be keen to carry on in the same vein of form against McInnes’ side from the right-back slot. Meanwhile, Jon Flanagan is likely to start as the left-back.
Midfield
Lassana Coulibaly and Ryan Jack are expected to form the double pivot in the middle of the park. While Jack has been a smart operator, Coulibaly has shown glimpses of his calibre on a number of occasions after his move to the Ibrox Stadium.
Ovie Ejaria might get the nod to operate in a slightly advanced position. His creativity will come in handy for the Gers. But Gerrard will also want him to drop back and contribute to the defensive work of the team.
Attack
Ryan Kent and Daniel Candeias are expected to start on the flanks. Candeias was impressive against Osijek in the midweek fixture and deserves to feature in the starting XI. Meanwhile, Alfredo Morelos is likely to start up top as the lone striker.
