Rangers predicted XI vs Annan: Rohl to down tools for Scottish Cup clash, potential debut for new signings
Here’s how we think Danny Rohl will set his team up against the Scottish League Two side.
As Rangers take a break from league action after last weekend’s win away to Aberdeen, next up is Annan Athletic at Ibrox in the Scottish Cup fourth round.
It’s been a strong start to 2026 for Danny Rohl on and off the pitch with Rangers having now won five games on the bounce. Having completed two new signings already in the form of Sturm Graz’ Tochi Chukwuani and Westerlo’s Tuur Rommens, the feel-good factor is slowly reappearing at Ibrox. Both new additions will be available for Friday night, however Rommens is still nursing a knock.
As for their opponents, it is the second time in four years that Annan have secured a ‘glory tie’ against the Govan side, having hosted them at Galabank in 2022. On that day, Rangers were 3-0 victors thanks to goals from Filip Helander, Kemar Roofe and Fashion Sakala. Currently, the Dumfries side sit seventh in League Two, but have at least one game in hand on every team above them.
With a dead rubber against Ludogorets Razgrad coming up for Rangers after this, Rohl isn’t obliged to rest some of his key players, however with the current Ibrox injury record, it would be very surprising to see the likes of Nico Raskin, Djeidi Gassama, Jack Butland etc in the starting lineup on Friday night. With that in mind, here’s a look at what we think the starting XI will look like:
Liam Kelly
The Cup keeper is in contention for a Scotland call-up for the upcoming World Cup, however sitting on the bench every week won’t be helping his case. However, if this match goes to plan for Rangers he should be a spectator.
James Tavernier
One of him or Jayden Meghoma need a rest, but we think the captain will start against Annan, however don’t be surprised to see an early substitution.
Nasser Djiga
Having now returned from AFCON, the Rangers team has improved vastly over the past month. Perhaps the Wolves loanee can change his Ibrox fortunes in a better side.
Clinton Nsiala
Has been on the bench in the last three games and is now set to start. In-form John Souttar and Emmanuel Fernandez both need a rest.
Max Aarons
Rangers have relied far too heavily on Meghoma since he signed in the summer so we think Rohl will opt for Aarons instead. Also, with Rommens carrying a knock it would be an unnecessary risk to start him in this one.
Tochi Chukwuani
An inclusion that would please the home fans, the Dane is more than likely to get an instant first start with Connor Barron’s injury leaving the midfield a bit light.
Kieran Dowell
He’s been linked with a move to Hull, but again, the midfield needs a rest and he is more than capable coming in and doing a job in a fixture like this.
Mohamed Diomande
Reuniting with Chukwuani from their days at FC Nordsjaelland, the Ivorian may have to be included due to the lack of depth, but don’t expect a full 90.
Oliver Antman
Not long back from injury and has a chance to rejuvenate his Rangers career. Looked so promising due to early performances however has flattered to deceive since.
Bojan Miovski
Youssef Chermiti has started the last three so the North Macedonian is due a start. He hasn’t scored in over a month so will be looking to rectify that.
Rabbi Matondo
Back from the dead against Aberdeen where he came on at the death for his first appearance in a year. Maybe his Rangers career isn’t over just yet?