RANGERS’ route to Champions League football kicks off in Belgium later this evening.
Union Saint-Gilloise, a surprise package in the Belgian Pro League last year, stand between Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side and the play-off round. Tonight’s match will take place in Leuven before next Tuesday’s reverse at Ibrox.
As ever, the manager has big decisions to make. Will he match up the hosts by playing a back three? Does he risk starting Rabbi Matondo who missed Saturday’s trip to Livingston? Should Malik Tillman play from the off after his impressive cameo at the weekend?
Our writers predict the starting 11 van Bronckhorst will opt for below.
Craig Vickers
While I expect Jon McLaughlin to be given the nod between the posts, it wouldn't be entirely surprising to see Allan McGregor start off the back of his strong performances in the Europa League knockout stages earlier this year.
John Souttar experienced a baptism of fire in the come-from-behind victory over Livingston at the weekend, in stark contrast with the assurance James Stands brought from the bench. The American will likely partner Connor Goldson, while Borna Barisic should retain his place at left-back as new signing Ridvan Yilmaz gets up to speed.
Ryan Jack could start in midfield alongside John Lundstram. The duo struck up a formidable partnership in Europe last season.
Further forward, expect Tom Lawrence to occupy the No.10 position despite Tillman's encouraging appearance off the bench at the weekend. Rabbi Matondo is fit once again and should move to the left in place of Ryan Kent, with Scott Wright retaining his spot on the right.
Antonio Colak was unfortunate not to open his account in the league at the weekend and it was at the same stage in Champions League qualifying twelve months ago that the Croatian announced himself to the Rangers supporters.
Rangers: McLaughlin, Tavernier, Goldson, Sands, Barisic, Lundstram, Jack, Wright, Lawrence, Matondo, Colak
Joshua Barrie
Given the role Ibrox played during last season’s European adventure, Union will want to travel to Glasgow with a lead. Therefore, it wouldn’t be a surprise if van Bronckhorst opts for a team that can quickly fall into a back five in Belgium.
McLaughlin started on Saturday but there would be little surprise if McGregor did so this evening. Nobody else has played more games for Rangers on the continent than the veteran keeper who showed sharp reflexes against Spurs in pre-season.
The back four will probably comprise of James Tavernier, Goldson, Sands and Barisic. Sands merits a start given his impressive pre-season and the inclusion of Lundstram a line up will offer the flexibility of a back five in stages.
Don’t be surprised if Jack and Glen Kamara join Lundstram in the midfield. Kamara can play with his back to goal and form a midfield pairing if Rangers switch formation, while the functional trio can free up Matondo and Wright to cause damage from either wing.
Colak’s excellent header was unfairly ruled out on Saturday and although he looked isolated for large sways, pre-season outings have shown encouraging signs.
Predicted line-up: McLaughlin, Tavernier, Goldson, Sands, Barisic, Lundstram, Jack, Wright, Kamara, Matondo, Colak
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here