Ianis Hagi to make first start since February – Rangers predicted XI v Aberdeen
Michael Beale is likely to make several changes to his Rangers starting lineup for the clash against Aberdeen with nothing but pride left to play for.
The Gers will go trophyless this season and with the manager promising a major overhaul of the squad this summer during the transfer window, this is an opportunity for players to stake a claim for the shirt.
And Beale is likely to provide some fringe players with a chance to show them they have a future at the club, meaning he could leave some established names out of the team.
One position that is unlikely to happen is in goal. Robby McCrorie is yet to play this season but with a new number one likely to join in the summer, Beale will continue with the veteran Allan McGregor as he winds down his playing career.
Captain James Tavernier will continue at right-back with Connor Goldson alongside him in the middle, but John Souttar could come in ahead of Ben Davies as his partner to give this partnership a chance.
At left-back Borna Barisic has come under plenty of criticism and is entering the final year of his deal at Ibrox, which means fit-again Ridvan Yilmaz should come into the team for a run of fixtures.
Nicolas Raskin is undoubtedly the number one midfielder under Beale these days and his place is assured, but with Ryan Jack injured for the foreseeable future John Lundstram is most likely to continue to partner him ahead of Glen Kamara.
Ryan Kent isn’t likely to be around beyond the summer with Fenerbahce interested as well as Premier League sides, and his performance in the semi-final should see him left out this weekend.
That will allow Todd Cantwell to keep his place, but should also present Romania international Ianis Hagi a chance to make his first start since February to prove he still has a future at the club.
Malik Tillman limped off against Celtic and was replaced by Scott Arfield on the day, so it would be surprising if the same change didn’t happen from the start here.
Alfredo Morelos is likely to leave in the summer too and with Antonio Colak and Kemar Roofe unfit, the boss can shift Fashion Sakala to the number nine role to keep goals in the team.
In other Rangers news, player travels abroad to see specialist as he looks to fight for his Ibrox future.