Rangers predicted starting XI v Aberdeen – Ben Davies makes long-awaited return
Rangers face a difficult trip to Aberdeen on Tuesday night as Michael Beale looks to maintain pressure on Celtic at the top of the table.
Tuesday night sees second play third in the Scottish Premiership. Rangers are fresh from their first win under Beale against Hibernian, while Aberdeen are looking to avenge their late 1-0 loss to Celtic.
After missing a handful of players through injury and illness against Hibs, Beale has some crucial choices to make as his side travel to Pittodrie Stadium.
After a strong attacking performance against Hibernian, we predict just two changes to the lineup on Tuesday with Ben Davies and Leon King stepping in for John Lundstram and James Sands.
Despite hinting at playing two strikers in the lead-up to the match, Beale was forced to play Morelos in a 4-2-3-1 system due to Antonio Colak suffering from a tight calf in the day prior to the match. With the Croatian striker still recovering, we’ve stuck with Morelos up front against Aberdeen.
Fashion Sakala etched his name on the scoresheet against Hibernian and Malik Tillman and Ryan Kent were both superb in a brilliant second-half performance. Beale will most likely stick with that trusted trio again on Tuesday.
Ryan Jack also found the back of the net against Hibs and formed a superb partnership with Glen Kamara in central midfield. Expect them to start again as Beale tries to build momentum.
The defensive department is where Beale faces plenty of headaches. Ben Davies made a late cameo on Thursday night to make his return from injury, and after a poor defensive display from the makeshift duo of Lundstram and Sands, Beale could risk him in the starting lineup.
Connor Goldson was nowhere to be seen at Ibrox despite having returned to training, and Beale spoke this week about carefully monitoring both defenders in the coming weeks.
“Connor has trained for two days in seven weeks, Ben has trained for three days. There’s a lot of big matches coming up and I have to be careful here,” said Beale, as quoted by The Scottish Sun.
Leon King will also be back available after Beale confirmed that the young defender was initially planned to start before he fell ill – “Unfortunately Leon King went sick this morning and that changed our plans.” [The Sun]
Adam Devine was superb against Hibs and retains his spot, while the experienced duo of James Tavernier and Allan McGregor assume their usual spots in the lineup.
In other Rangers news, Michael Beale could turn to the Championship market for January transfers according to a Sky Sports pundit