RANGERS return to action tonight when they travel north to face Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
The champions will be hoping to cement their position at the Premiership summit against a Dons side sitting sixth in the table.
But just who will line up for the Light Blues in their first match of 2022?
Our writers select their Rangers XIs, do you agree?
Joshua Barrie
The absence of Steven Davis and Scott Arfield means Rangers are more limited than anticipated in regards to selection options.
The back five is the easiest and most predictable unit to select, Allan McGregor will play behind the back four that held such a fine defensive record towards the tail end of 2021.
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Ahead of the backline and options are more scares. Expect to see a return to the two-man midfield with Glen Kamara and John Lundstram pairing up centrally. Ahead of that double-pivot, Scott Wright and Fashion Sakala may flank Ryan Kent. The Englishman has played his best football of the season in wide areas, but Rangers must replicate their offensive threat centrally and Ianis Hagi’s lack of pace in behind makes Kent’s inclusion admissible. Alfredo Morelos will undoubtedly lead the line and aim to continue his fine record at Pittodrie.
Predicted XI: McGregor, Tavernier, Goldson, Bassey, Barisic, Lundstram, Kamara, Wright, Kent, Sakala, Morelos
Derek Clark
Giovanni van Bronckhorst has some big calls to make as Rangers make a welcome return to action at Pittodrie.
The goalkeeper and back four should remain the same prior to the winter break. You’d imagine Glen Kamara will also retain his place but with Joe Aribo away with Nigeria at the AFCON and both Scott Arfield and Steven Davis out injured it will be interesting to see who van Bronckhorst opts for in that central midfield role.
The match is likely to be a physical encounter so it won’t be a surprise to see John Lundstram return to add some steel in the engine room.
Alfredo Morelos is likely to lead the line with the three behind him likely to consist of Ryan Kent and Scott Wright on either flank and Ianis Hagi in his preferred central role behind the striker.
Predicted XI: McGregor, Tavernier, Goldson, Bassey, Barisic, Kamara, Lundstram, Wright, Hagi, Kent, Morelos.
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