Injury time heartbreak against Aberdeen at the Pittodrie stopped ten men Rangers from making a winning start to their new Premiership campaign. The 1-1 draw, however, did bring a few positives and there are enough reasons to be optimistic for Thursday night’s UEFA Europa League third round tie (first leg) versus Slovenian outfit NK Maribor at the Ibrox.
The gaffer, Steven Gerrard, has sanctioned eleven new signings already and a few more inclusions are likely to be announced by the end of August. The Gers will mostly focus on dethroning rivals Celtic, but, at the same time, a good showing in the Europa League won’t do any harm at all.
Rangers Team News
Ryan Jack is likely to sit out after suffering from a concussion in Rangers’ last outing. Midfield duo Graham Dorrans and Jordan Rossiter continue to remain sidelined with their respective knee and calf injuries.
Lee Wallace and Declan John, the left-back duo, are unlikely to be involved amid talks of a potential transfer out following the arrival of Croatian international Borna Barisic, the Osijek skipper.
Predicted Rangers Lineup (4-3-3)
Defence
Veteran Allan McGregor has been a revelation between the sticks since an emotional return to his boyhood club this summer and has only conceded twice so far following three back to back clean sheets in their first three European encounters. He will be protected by a back four of James Tavernier, Connor Goldson, Nikola Katic and Jon Flanagan.
Gerrard must be pleased with his youthful central defensive pair of Goldson and Katic due to their resilience despite their limited experience. Skipper Tavernier has been threatening from set-pieces and will look to trouble the Maribor backline with his forward runs, crosses and link-up play.
Midfield
Youngster Ross Mccrorie should be handed a start in absence of injured Jack in a holding role and is likely to be accompanied by Angers loanee Lassana Coulibaly who has made a promising start to his Rangers stint.
Versatile Scott Arfield has shaken off his minor injury concern and should start the game ahead of Ovie Ejaria. Arfield will add experience as well as creativity in the middle of the park against the Slovenians.
Attack
Although Alfredo Morelos‘ red card versus the Dons has been rescinded, his on-field behaviour remains a concern. The young Colombian scored the solitary goal against Osijek in the last round on the road but his missed opportunities are a worrying sign for the gaffer who expects him to replicate his form of last season. The little-known recruit from HJK notched 18 goals during his debut season at Scotland.
The poor run of form of Josh Windass might see Liverpool loanee Ryan Kent earning yet another European start on the left wing while veteran Portuguese wide attacker Daniel Candeias should be deployed on the opposite flank for his experience and high work ethic.
Jamie Murphy might be introduced from the bench later on and will add more creativity high up the pitch.
