By Daniel Feliciano

15th Mar, 2023 | 5:10pm

Borna Barisic and Fashion Sakala to be dropped, Malik Tillman and Ridvan Yilmaz to start - Rangers predicted XI v Motherwell

Michael Beale could be set to hand Ridvan Yilmaz his first start since October when Rangers travel to Fir Park to take on Motherwell (18 March).

The Gers progressed to the Scottish Cup semi-final with a dominant 3-0 win over Raith Rovers last weekend, but now they return to Premiership action to try and cut Celtic’s nine-point lead at the top of the table.

But Beale is likely to make some changes to his starting lineup for the game on Saturday lunchtime, with different players having different issues ahead of the game.

In goal Allan McGregor has now established himself as the firm number one goalkeeper at Rangers after a period of rotation that initially saw him share the position with Jon McLaughlin when Beale first came in.

James Tavernier is still the first-choice right-back too and his form has been much improved in recent weeks after a tough period, and the skipper will start again to try and uphold the standards of the team.

Connor Goldson and Ben Davies are likely to continue as a centre-back partnership despite the return to fitness of John Souttar recently, but there is a change at left-back expected.

Borna Barisic revealed he is set to fly home for the birth of his child, which should leave the door open for Ridvan Yilmaz to make his first start since he was substituted after eight minutes back in October in the 4-1 win over Aberdeen with injury.

Nicolas Raskin has established himself as the first-choice midfielder at the club since joining the club in January and should start, but his ideal partner is still being figured out by Beale.

Glen Kamara is yet to get a run alongside the Belgian, and with Ryan Jack managing a calf problem it seems more likely that John Lundstram will keep his place in the side to help dictate the game and break up play in the heart of the pitch.

In attack Ryan Kent remains the first-choice playmaker for Beale with his electric pace and dribbling ability, but he’s still looking for a way to add more goals to his game.

He’ll continue in the number ten role that he has shone in since Beale’s arrival at the club, and he is capable of being able to link up well with Todd Cantwell who can float across the attacking line and cause problems for the opposition defence.

Fashion Sakala has been in fantastic form in recent weeks, but with Malik Tillman expected to be fit enough to return to the side he’s the most likely option to drop out and accommodate the American’s return.

Up front Antonio Colak should continue in the number nine role with his goals and link up play, with Alfredo Morelos seemingly edging closer to the exit door at Ibrox.

In other Rangers news, star man is preparing to leave the club this summer according to Chris Jack.