Fashion Sakala to be axed, Nicolas Raskin to start – Rangers predicted XI v Ross County
Michael Beale is likely to make two changes to his Rangers starting lineup for the Scottish Premiership clash with Ross County on Saturday.
The Gers claimed a dominant midweek win over Hearts thanks to two goals from Alfredo Morelos and a strike by Malik Tillan, and now they head back to Ibrox to try and close the gap to six points ahead of Celtic’s next game.
But after making some additions during the January transfer window, Beale now has more options to choose from and must decide when is best to bring them into the fold without disrupting the excellent start to life he’s had as manager at the club.
In goal he has bounced between Allan McGregor and Jon McLaughlin at points, but the veteran is still the better of the two and should continue to get the nod in this game.
The defence currently is picking itself with all of James Tavernier, Connor Goldson, Ben Davies and Borna Barisic in excellent form. Adam Devine has stepped in well at left-back since Beale arrived, while Leon King had a good run earlier in the season but it’s unlikely either play gets a start here.
In midfield there is a decision to make. Beale finally was able to sign Nicolas Raskin from Standard Liege on deadline day after a long chase and while he wasn’t available against Hearts, he is available for this game.
The Belgian could go straight into the team to provide quality on the ball and more energy, and he’s likely to partner the in-form Glen Kamara who has turned in some excellent performances in recent weeks.
In attack Tillman continued his impressive form under Beale with a goal and seems undroppable at the moment in his new right-wing hybrid role, while Ryan Kent has shone playing as the number ten too.
Fashion Sakala has also been one of Beale’s favorites on the left, with his pace helping him to notch three goals and four assists in his last ten appearances for the team. He has only missed one game since Beale’s arrival, as he became a father.
However with the arrival of Todd Cantwell to the team, Beale is clearly keen to get him involved and it seems as though Sakala could be the man to drop out of the starting lineup for now for the Englishman to flourish.
Up front Antonio Colak is fit again, but Morelos is in great form with four goals and two assists in his last three appearances and he will start once more.
Rangers predicted XI: McGregor; Tavernier, Goldson, Davies, Barisic; Raskin, Kamara; Tillman, Kent, Cantwell; Morelos
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