Rangers predicted XI: Sakala, Lundstram to start; No Morelos v Livingston
Rangers are set to begin their title defence with a fixture against Livingston at the Ibrox on Saturday.
Players often tend to be a tad rusty on the first game of the new season, but given Rangers’ recent pre-season performances, Steven Gerrard would be confident with the preparation going into the opener.
The likes of John Lundstram and Fashion Sakala, who arrived at the club in the summer, have fit in well and started the recent 2-1 win against Real Madrid.
Sakala even managed to find the back of the net in that contest and is expected to lead the line.
Lundstram also is likely to be deployed in a midfield three as Gerrard will be looking for his movement off the ball to wreak havoc in the Livingston back line.
Joe Aribo was back in training three weeks ago, per the club’s official website, but hasn’t played recently and may miss out here.
Kemar Roofe also did not make the squad against Real Madrid which makes him a huge doubt for this game.
Alfredo Morelos has not been part of Rangers’ pre-season and was in his home country of Colombia a few days ago.
With the South American country being on UK’s red travel list, we’re expecting him to miss out as well. [The Daily Record]
In goal, the ever-reliant custodian Allan McGregor is set to start with a relatively strong back four in front of him.
Captain and ever-present attacking threat James Tavernier will start at right-back while Borna Barisic will start on the other side of our defence.
Centrally, we’re expecting Conor Goldson and Filip Helander to be deployed – offering us solidity and a good aerial presence.
In midfield, joining Lundstram will be Steven Davis and the exit-linked Glen Kamara.
Davis would be operating in a slightly deeper position with Kamara and Lundstram offering the legs.
Up top, playing on either side of Sakala will be Ryan Kent and Ianis Hagi. Cedric Itten could also be tried, but given how Sakala can stretch defences, Gerrard may fancy going with his new signing.
In other Rangers news, TalkSPORT pundit: This is what Celtic fans will think about Rangers after CL exit