Ibrox View: Gerrard to axe 24y/o, 4 big changes for tough test – Rangers predicted XI v Dons
After the international break, in which Ryan Jack help Scotland qualify for Euro 2020, Rangers return to league action as they welcome his old club Aberdeen to Ibrox on Sunday lunchtime.
It’s set to be a tough game.
For Steven Gerrard’s men, unbeaten this season, international duty has not left them with too many headaches, but the big test is the fixture list.
The main question lies in central defence and whether Leon Balogun or Filip Helander will get the nod for the match against the Dons, currently third in the Scottish Premiership and unbeaten in their last five.
Balogun was replaced with a suspected injury during Nigeria’s incredible 4-4 draw with Sierra Leone in their African Cup of Nations Qualifier. However, he started the rematch on Tuesday and played 90 minutes.
Helander, who was on the bench for the 8-0 demolition of Hamilton Academical 10 days ago, replaced Manchester United’s Victor Lindelof after the hour mark in Sweden’s defeat to world champions France which ultimately led to their relegation from Nations League Group A.
Allan McGregor should return in goal for Jon McLaughlin and we expect Glen Kamara to come in for 24-year-old Joe Aribo in midfield, who has also been away on national duty with Nigeria.
Will there be more squad rotation ahead of the crunch fixture as Rangers look to extend their excellent start to the season?
The other change we expect to see is Alfredo Morelos coming in for Jermain Defoe, who somehow didn’t manage to get among the goals in the 8-0 win.
This is the starting XI we expect Gerrard to select come the weekend…
In other Rangers news, Exclusive: McLeish claims Gers could regret not signing ‘magnificent’ international ace