Jonty Banks

Sat 14 January 2023 11:10, UK

Rangers turn their attention away from the Scottish Premiership as Michael Beale’s side takes on Aberdeen in the ViaPlay Cup semi-final at Hampden Park on Sunday (15 January).

The Gers are unbeaten since the sacking of Giovanni van Bronckhorst, with Beale winning five of his first six games at the helm at Ibrox.

The Englishman will head to Hampden Park looking to book his place in the Cup final and will field a strong starting XI as a result, but will likely be without striker Antonio Colak who is “touch and go” for the crucial cup clash, Beale confirmed (Friday 13 January). [Daily Record]

A tough decision awaits Beale in goal, but he will side with the experience of Allan McGregor in between the sticks, considering the magnitude of the match. Despite keeping a clean sheet against Dundee United, Jon McLaughlin drops to the bench.

The back-four who kept a clean sheet against The Terrors remains, with Croatian left-back Borna Barisic continuing his run of games at left-back. After ousting the promising-looking Adam Devine from the left-back berth, the 30-year-old has made the position his own in recent weeks.

With James Sands confirmed to have missed training this week by Beale, Connor Goldson and Ben Davies will continue their flourishing partnership at the heart of the Gers’ defence, which has seen them record three clean sheets in four games together since returning from their respective injuries.

James Tavernier, meanwhile, will captain the side from right-back and look to add to the 100th career goal he netted against Celtic.

Glen Kamara returns to the starting XI in place of Ryan Jack and will look to provide an added bite to the Gers midfield. He will line up beside John Lundstram, who has started every league game since the arrival of Beale as manager.

Fashion Sakala will continue on the right wing after a recent upturn in form.

The 25-year-old, who scored a stunning goal against Dundee last time out, will inject pace and athleticism into Rangers’ play. Ryan Kent will lineup on the left wing but float into central spaces when deemed fit, while Malik Tillman starts in the more advanced midfield position.

Beale confirmed in his press conference on Friday (13 January) that Colak – who had returned to the starting XI following a calf injury in the festive period – was once again absent in training this week. The 42-year-old’s injury is only regarded as a “slight problem”, but Alfredo Morelos will therefore play in his stead.

The Bufalo will be tasked with leading the line and providing the firepower to take Rangers through to the Scottish League Cup final after an up-and-down season to date. Kemar Roofe, meanwhile, will return to the bench following a length spell on the sidelines through injury.

Here’s how we expect Rangers to line up against Aberdeen…

In other Rangers news, this players’ future is now in doubt as the Gers appear to locate an ideal replacement