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:
9. Rabbi Matondo - LW
On pre-match media duties, the Welshman has looked very sharp of late from off the bench. Merits a start after making a really positive impact in recent games. Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
10. Todd Cantwell - CAM
Beale will want to keep some consistency to his line-up and the versatile attacker is capable of producing a moment of magic. Could easily be kept fresh for PSV, but has proved he’s the man who can make the team tick on the pitch. | Getty Images
11. Ianis Hagi - RW
Romanian playmaker has had to wait very patiently for chances following a year-long injury absence. Offers a creative outlet and can chip in with a few goals ans assists. Could be the perfect game for him to re-build some confidence. | Getty Images
12. Cyriel Dessers- CF
Has looked short of fitness since arriving for big money in the summer and fans have been fairly vocal about his performances so far. If he can get on the score sheet here, you’d imagine that will help him build up some momentum and confidence. | Getty Images