Olympiacos vs Rangers line-up predicted as Tavernier drops out

With both sides having defeated Malmo away from home, lost against Lyon and sitting on six points, this is a tie that presents the opportunity to cement a qualification spot.

Our writers take a look at the starting 11 Philippe Clement will field tonight at the Georgios Karaiskakis stadium.

Chris Jack 

One decision that Clement makes will be discussed and debated more than any other on Thursday evening and in the days that follow. Does he stick with James Tavernier or twist and give Dujon Sterling a chance to prove himself at right-back?

Sterling looks like the better option but it would be no surprise if Clement opted to pitch his captain in once again as Rangers go in search of a win in Greece. If Tavernier plays, he must play well for the sake of himself and his boss.

The rest of the side almost picks itself. Mohamed Diomande is the best option at No.10 and Václav Cerny and Nedim Bajrami will operate on either flank. Cyriel Dessers will lead the line and Connor Barron and Nicolas Raskin are assured of their places.

The same can be said for Jack Butland, John Souttar and Jefte. The only other deliberation is the choice between Leon Balogun and Neraysho Kasanwirjo. Balogun has played a lot of football of late and it could pay off to go with the Dutchman on this occasion.

Read more:

• Olympiacos boss on Rangers' 'stand out' player and Clement's difficult style
• Loyalty or logic? Clement's defining Dujon Sterling and James Tavernier decision
• The meaning of Clement's Tavernier and Dessers decision - and what must come next

Joshua Barrie

Like all good colleagues, ours match up. The way Rangers finished the game against Motherwell must be the way they start going forward. And while Danilo is still a little off starting and playing 90 minutes regularly, Sterling is ready to play so why not pitch him in?

Clement said in the summer that Tavernier would be rotated and right now, while the 33-year-old could well come to Greece and play well in a competition he knows like the back of his hand, what more must Sterling do in order to be handed a run in his favoured position? Tavernier's form isn't strong enough to merit a start on that alone.

Kasanwirjo's looked comfortable in every single outing for the Ibrox side since arriving on loan and adds a certain pace blended with comfort on the ball that could form a strong bond at centre-back.

Rangers' attack is still lacking pace, even with an in-form Cerny returning. They'll hope the space offered up by Olympiacos affords Bajrami and Cerny space to combine across the field and add an attacking edge to the performance.