Alfredo Morelos returns, Colak dropped – Confirmed Rangers starting XI vs Aberdeen
Michael Beale has named his Rangers starting XI to face Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday (15 January), the club has confirmed.
The Gers have been in top form since Beale’s appointment, winning five of his six games in charge with their latest result, a 2-0 win over Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership.
But the league goes on ice for now as they go into battle with Aberdeen in the Scottish League Cup semi-finals at Hampden Park, with the winner set to take on either Celtic or Kilmarnock in the final.
Like their opponents, Aberdeen enter this spectacle in good spirits following a win over St Johnstone last weekend.
As confirmed on Twitter prior to kick-off, Rangers make two changes from their win over Dundee United, with Alfredo Morelos coming in for the injury Antonio Colak.
Jon McLaughlin has been axed from the goalkeeping spot too, to be replaced by Allan McGregor.
Otherwise, Beale keeps faith with the team which started last weekend, and Morelos will be hoping to improve on his inconsistent form with a couple of goals and a good performance this afternoon in a pivotal fixture for the Gers.
New Era begins
Rangers and Michael Beale will be hoping this Scottish League Cup campaign can become the start of a fruitful relationship between them both, as a cup triumph could cement themselves as real and proper challengers for Celtic next season.
The Gers sit nine points behind Celtic in the league currently, and barring any dramatic fall, Ange Postecoglou’s men should pick up their second Scottish Premiership trophy in a row.
But that doesn’t mean Beale and his men can’t have a say in how this season ends.
All Beale’s side can do is continue to put the pressure on Celtic and hope they stutter as the finish line gets closer.
Providing they win on Sunday afternoon, they could meet their Old Firm rivals in the final with which a win over them could certainly provide some belief and optimism as Beale looks to continue his encouraging start as Rangers boss.
However, Aberdeen will be a tough test for the light Blues, a test which they cannot afford to take lightly.
In other Rangers news, the Gers want to sign this South American ace who’s playing in Europe.