Rangers are set to face Aberdeen at the Hampden in the Scottish League Cup semi-final tomorrow. Derek McInnes’ men are no pushovers and the Gers have to be at their best to make it to the final of the competition.
Steven Gerrard’s side managed a draw against Spartak Moscow in the Europa League, and recent results will give them the confidence to get one step closer to lifting the cup.
Rangers Team News
Scott Arfield and Gareth McAuley are sidelined with their hamstring and calf injury respectively. Borna Barisic and Lee Wallace are also unavailable. Graham Dorrans will go under the knife, so he could be out for a while. Alfredo Morelos is suspended while Kyle Lafferty is cup-tied.
Predicted Rangers Lineup
Goalkeeper
Summer signing Allan McGregor has been used regularly by Steven Gerrard in the Scottish Premiership and Europa League fixtures. However, the former Liverpool midfielder is expected to hand Wes Foderingham a chance in the cup tie.
Defence
Goldson and Joe Worrall could be the preferred central defensive pairing. Gerrard will be optimistic of a strong defensive showing from the duo.
James Tavernier has been the regular right-back and should keep his place. On the other side, we expect Jon Flanagan to feature. Flanagan made some intelligent runs against Spartak Moscow and will aim to replicate his solid performance.
Midfield
Ross McCrorie could get the chance to start in the central midfield. The 20-year-old can keep his side ticking with his passes and vision. Graham Dorrans has been ruled out, which means Coulibaly could partner Ejaria in midfield.
Ejaria had a good game against Spartak as he made three dribbles and three tackles in the game, showing his ability to make the forward forays and the willingness to put a foot in when needed.
Attack
Alfredo Morelos is suspended and Lafferty is cup-tied which leaves Gerrard with a lack of options for the role up front.
Ryan Kent completed an incredible ten dribbles against Spartak in the Europa League and it’d be a surprise if he doesn’t feature despite the minimal recovery time. He should start on the left. Daniel Candeias could feature on the right flank once again. Sadiq might get a start with Gerrard running out of options.
Predicted Rangers XI: Foderingham; Flanagan, Goldson, Worrall, Tavernier; McCrorie, Coulibaly, Ejaria; Kent, Sadiq, Candeias