Patterson starts: Rangers predicted XI v Dunfermline
Steven Gerrard is predicted to make six changes to Rangers’ starting line-up for the Scottish League Cup clash against Dunfermline at Ibrox on Friday night.
Speaking to the media on Thursday ahead of the match, Gerrard confirmed that he would name a “strong squad” to take on the Pars.
Rangers were dumped out of the Champions League on Tuesday night as they lost 2-1 to 10-man Malmo and have now lost three matches in a row.
In a bid to get the Gers back to winning ways, we expect Gerrard to make some changes to his side but ultimately, it should be a side well worthy of winning.
James Tavernier, Leon Balogun, Borna Barisic, Scott Arfield, Joe Aribo and Scott Wright could all be dropped after the poor defeat to Malmo with Nathan Patterson, Filip Helander, Calvin Bassey, Glen Kamara, John Lundstram and Ianis Hagi retuning to the XI.
Allan McGregor is predicted to start in goals behind a back-four of 19-year-old Patterson, Connor Goldson, Helander and Bassey.
Patterson has not yet made an appearance this season but with Tavernier’s form frustrating fans, the club captain could be axed to make way for the exciting teenage right-back.
Steven Davis could retain his starting spot in the midfield with Kamara and summer signing Lundstram joining him while Hagi may start on the right-wing with Ryan Kent on the left.
Up front, we expect Alfredo Morelos to start after he grabbed a goal in the defeat to Malmo.
Fashion Sakala has been ruled out of the match, which strengthens the case for El Bufalo to spearhead Gerrard’s attack.
In other Rangers news, Darren Gough has shared a big prediction about Gerrard after Premier League speculation.