Rangers predicted XI vs Aberdeen as under-fire star dropped in reshuffle but Hearts fall guy keeps place
How we think Derek McInnes will set up his side at Hampden Park
Rangers boss Derek McInnes has a few selection thinkers to sort ahead Saturday’s Premier Sports semi-final clash against Aberdeen.
The Light Blues head to Hampden Park with eight wins and two draws in their last 10 - but in their last encounter at Hearts on Wednesday night they were far from convincing. The visitors escaped Tynecastle with a point despite the hosts dominating for large portions in a match where one or two individuals wearing royal blue didn’t cover themselves in glory.
After a poor start to the campaign, it was in fact against Aberdeen where the Ibrox side changed their fortunes. A scrappy 1-0 win at Pittodrie two months ago sparked a seven game winning run. Since then, McInnes has had a fairly settled starting XI, but after their shaky display in the capital, a few players risk being dropped. With that in mind, here’s how we think Rangers will line up against the Dons on Saturday, using the 4-4-2 formation.
GK - Ivor Pandur
Still has barely put a foot wrong since firmly cementing himself as Rangers number one. He has already saved a penalty in the competition which bodes well should it go all the way.
RB - Dujon Sterling
Not at his best at Tynecastle, but then again, few were. Overall he’s been a solid option in the defence and isn’t afraid to use his physicality.
CB - Emmanuel Fernandez
Some have called for the Nigerian to be dropped for Saturday after a shaky display against Hearts - but McInnes’ stark defence of him in the pre-match press conference suggests his place in the starting XI is nailed on.
CB - Olwethu Makhanya
The hero in Gorgie as he grabbed a late equaliser. Resident Rolls Royce at the back and a must-start for Saturday given his recent strong performances on the big occasion.
LB - James Penrice
Competition for his place at left back now as Tuur Rommens returns from injury. However with Belgian still not fully match fit, Penrice is a no-brainer.
CM - Dan Neil
Another one frustrated at Tynecastle but he has a strong record to uphold in this competition. His brace against Celtic in the quarter final was a day to remember at Ibrox.
CM - Nico Raskin
An experienced campaigner, who has been there and done it at the National Stadium before. It’s important to have a figure like the Belgian in a new-look squad.
RM - Badredine Bouanani
In for Djeidi Gassama in a tactical shake-up. The Mauritanian wasn’t at it through the week and was brought off for Bouanani, who assisted the equaliser. His wand of a left foot could cause problems for the Dons.
LM - Kim Min-su
Still waiting on that illusive goal but it’s clear to see the potential of the Korean from open play. Perhaps he prefers playing as a 10 but can still do a job on the left, as he proved against St Johnstone last weekend.
ST - Ryan Naderi
The Czechia international has been hit or miss but his link up play at the top end of the pitch is significantly improving. He’s contributed to nine goals in Rangers’ last eight.
ST - Kevin Kelsy
Naderi’s partner in crime has also been on fire. His well-worked finish for the opener against Hearts marked his fourth goal in as many games.
(The Scottish Football Social Club is presented by BetSBK.com | 18+ | Gamble Responsibly)