Rangers predicted XI vs Jagiellonia Bialystok as defensive replacement required amid several potential debuts
Here’s how we think Derek McInnes will set up his side in their European opener
Rangers boss Derek McInnes has a few selection dilemmas to ponder ahead of their trip to Poland.
The Light Blues will face Jagiellonia Bialystok on Thursday night (kick-off 5pm BST) in the first leg of the third Europa League qualifying round. A win over two legs, would see them progress to the play-off round where they’d face either Larne of Northern Ireland or Iberia 1999. Defeat would see them drop down to the Conference League at the same stage, where they’d face either Jablonec of Czech Republic or RFS of Latvia.
It was an underwhelming Premiership opener for the Light Blues as they drew 1-1 with Dundee United at Tannadice. To make matters worse for McInnes, defender Ben Godfrey went off with a hamstring issue and will now be sidelined for a month. With a few potential debuts on the cards including Godfrey’s natural replacement, here’s how we think McInnes will set up on Thursday evening, using his preferred 4-4-2 formation:
GK - Ivor Pandur
New number one made some important stops at Tannadice and wasn’t afraid to charge off his line. Done nothing to lose his place.
RB - Dujon Sterling
Utility man is now battling with Ross McCrorie for the right back spot. It could be either-or, but we think the Englishman will get the nod against a physical Polish opposition.
CB - Olwethu Makhanya
Set for debut after the Godfrey injury, the £3m man from Philadelphia Union could be getting thrown in at the deep end.
CB - Emmanuel Fernandez
Last season’s standout defender is a key player for the Light Blues going forward and should keep his place with very little cover in this area.
LB - Tuur Rommens
Speaking of little cover... The Belgian is the only recognised left back in the European squad and is therefore expected to be a regular starter.
CM - Dan Neil
Came off the benchat half time against United for a struggling Djeidi Gassama. Helped changed the game at Tannadice and could be rewarded with a start.
CM - Cammy Devlin
Rangers’ standout in pre-season and clearly a player the manager fancies. The Aussie wind-up merchant should be nailed on.
RM - Thelo Aasgaard
Also nailed on is the Norwegian, who grabbed the all-important equaliser on Friday night. New Japanese winger Daisuke Yokota has also travelled with the team and could play a part.
LM - Findlay Curtis
A coin toss between him and Gassama but after a poor performance from the Mauritanian last week, the academy product now deserves to get a chance.
ST - Lawrence Shankland
Another not at his best of late but a goal in Europe would do him the world of good. As newly-appointed club captain he’s got to be one of the first names on the team sheet.
ST - Youssef Chermiti
Another like Neil, who came on and made a difference in their last outing. The manager will certainly be thinking twice about starting Ryan Naderi again like he did at Tannadice.