James Murray

Wed 30 August 2023 18:55, UK

Michael Beale has made two changes as Rangers prepare to face PSV away in the second leg of their Champions League playoff tie on Wednesday (30 August).

After drawing 2-2 in the first leg at Ibrox on 22 August, the Gers confirmed via their official Twitter account that Jack Butland will start in goal, with James Tavernier, Connor Goldson, John Souttar and Borna Barisic in defence.

Elsewhere, John Lundstram, Nico Raskin and Jose Cifuentes will operate in a midfield three, while Rabbi Matondo and Todd Cantwell will play in advanced attacking roles to provide support for Cyriel Dessers up front.

Defender Leon King, who has been linked with a move away from Ibrox [Herald], is on the bench and he is joined by Kemar Roofe and Sam Lammers, who drop out of the side from the victory over Ross County on Saturday (26 August).

Huge

There is no doubt about it, this is a huge game for Rangers as they look to earn their place in the group stages of the Champions League against PSV.

Although the Gers were twice pegged back in the 2-2 draw in the first leg at Ibrox last week, they were probably not too disheartened by the result after the Dutch side dominated possession and had more chances across the 90 minutes.

There’s a good chance that proceedings could be played out in a similar manner when the players take to the field in Eindhoven, with the hosts largely in control of the ball.

It will be down to the Light Blues to remain disciplined in their shape as they try and pick off PSV on the counter, just as they did expertly well for Rabbi Matondo’s goal that put them 2-1 up in the first leg on 76 minutes before Luuk de Jong equalised just four minutes later.

It’s hard to predict which way this one will go, but Beale’s side should be full of confidence after putting a six-match unbeaten run together over the past few weeks heading into the game.

In other Rangers news, Beale has freed up wages to bring in a new signing as the transfer deadline approaches.