Rangers manager Michael Beale is likely to field a second-string side when they square off against Greenock Morton in the first round of the Viaplay Cup knockout stages at Ibrox on Saturday.
The Light Blus boss will have one eye on his team’s vital Champions League play-off tie against PSV Eindhoven next week, which means a raft of changes to his starting XI is expected. A number of fringe players will be given a chance to impress and stake their claim to keep the jersey going forward, with the likes of Rabbi Matondo and Ianis Hagi eager to catch the eye.
Following their midweek 1-1 draw with Swiss outfit Servette in Geneva on Tuesday night, Beale will want his side to dispose of their Championship opponents with a minumum of fuss as they continue to work through a busy August fixture schedule.
The Scottish League Cup is a competition the Gers have fared particularly well in since its inception in 1947, lifting the trophy on 27 occasions. However, their last success came in season 2010/11 and supporters will hope they can go one better than last season’s runners-up finish behind rivals Celtic, going down 2-1 in the final at Hampden Park back in February.
Here, GlasgowWorld predicts how the Gers will shape up against Morton on Saturday:
5. Leon Balogun - CB
Nigerian international is a pretty consistent performer and rarely puts a foot wrong. Re-signed as defensive cover but this match would provide a perfect chance for him to gain more competitive action. | Getty Images
6. Ridvan Yilmaz - LB
Turkish full-back has endured a frustrating time with injuries but is now back in training after recovering from a two-week absence due to a muscle strain. Needs game time. | Getty Images
7. Nicolas Raskin - CM
A calm and composed figure who was Rangers’ best player in the second half against Servette. A classy operator who uses the ball well and is developing into a very reliable player. | Getty Images
8. Kieran Dowell - CM
Like a few summer signings, the ex-Norwich City midfielder has been forced to bide his time early on but this might be ideal opposition for him to prove he’s worthy of a starting jersey. Scored from off the bench against Livingston last weekend. | Getty Images