Rangers predicted XI vs Ludogorets: Danny Rohl faces selection dilemma whether to down tools for dead-rubber
Here’s how we think the Rangers boss will set up his team for the Europa League Ibrox showdown.
After a disappointing European campaign, Rangers still have to play Ludogorets Razgrad and Porto despite already being out of the competition.
While manager Danny Rohl would perhaps prefer to rest a few bodies for the Dundee fixture at Ibrox on Sunday, the Rangers boss is unlikely to do this in front of a packed house in Govan, who will be expecting a win. Rangers have lost five of their six Europa League matches so far, with their only point coming against a 10-man Braga side.
While Rohl has got his side back up to speed domestically, they’ve still struggled on the European stage under his stewardship, therefore a win is somewhat important on Thursday night, as his team need to prove they can compete at this level. To add to this, there is of course, the financial incentive in Europe, with each team earning approximately £389,000 per match win.
Unfortunately for Rangers fans, none of the new boys are eligible to play the Bulgarian champions, however after Rohl played the B team in their most recent win in the Scottish Cup over Annan Athletic, a lot of the main big hitters in the starting XI should be well-rested and ready to go. Here’s how we think the Rangers boss will set up his team on Thursday night:
Jack Butland
The veteran stopper has been in fine form of late and has only conceded two goals since his nightmare at Tynecastle last month.
James Tavernier
The competition’s top scorer in the 2021/22 campaign hasn’t been at his best on the European stage, but is starting to revisit some strong domestic form.
Nasser Djiga
An unexpected injury to John Souttar has ruled him out of both this week’s fixtures so it looks as if the Wolves loanee will be called upon.
Emmanuel Fernandez
The centre back has proved to be an unlikely goal threat for The Light Blues in recent weeks, however defensively he will be tested against a side fighting for a place in the knockout stages.
Jayden Meghoma
Rohl will be hoping new man Tuur Rommens can get back to full fitness as soon as possible, but in the meantime he’ll continue to rely on the Brentford loanee.
Nico Raskin
Got a well earned rest against Annan and should slot straight back into the midfield, especially with Connor Barron out injured.
Mohamed Diomande
It’s been a nightmare campaign for the Ivorian who has been sent off not once, but twice in the competition, so he’ll be playing with something to prove.
Thelo Aasgaard
Scored a worldie free kick against Annan to make it two from two. The confidence is building slowly but surely for the Norwegian.
Mikey Moore
Speaking of confidence, the Spurs loanee looks a different player under Rohl. He came with a big reputation and Gers fans are now starting to see why.
Djeidi Gassama
Hasn’t been amongst the goals of late which he’ll want to address, but nevertheless he’s been a thorn in the side of the majority of fullbacks he’s faced so far this season.
Youssef Chermiti
Bojan Miovski’s hat-trick against Annan could earn him a spot, but we think Rohl will go for his current preferred number nine, who will be looking for his first ever goal on the European stage.