Jose Cifuentes and Ryan Jack to start as Nicolas Raskin and Todd Cantwell ruled out – Rangers Predicted XI v Real Betis
Michael Beale is likely to make several changes to his Rangers starting lineup for their Europa League group stage clash with Real Betis.
The Gers are set for a huge clash at Ibrox against the La Liga side following a 2-0 win over St Johnstone at the weekend, but they’ll have to do it without a host of first-team players.
Nicolas Raskin, Todd Cantwell, Danilo and Kieran Dowell are all absent through injury meaning there are some decisions to be made on which team will get fielded with the result so crucial to the boss’ future.
Jack Butland will be the man to get the nod between the sticks as the number one, despite results not being the best and Robby McCrorie pushing for a game.
Captain James Tavernier and central defender Connor Goldson are guaranteed starters whenever fit and that will continue here at Ibrox, while Borna Barisic is almost certain to play at left-back with Ridvan Yilmaz not included in the squad list.
The question in defence will be who starts alongside Goldson in central defence, with Ben Davies getting the nod at weekend. But John Souttar has been in good form and is more likely to come back into the side in place of the former Liverpool man.
With Raskin and Cantwell out, it gives Beale the chance to bring Ryan Jack back into the side after his international duties with Scotland saw him miss out on a place in the lineup in midweek. John Lundstram and Jose Cifuentes can start just ahead of him too to add some balance and energy, freeing up space in attack for some creativity.
With Dowell and Danilo also ruled out, Tom Lawrence could make his first European appearance of the season by starting in the number ten position to link together the midfield and strike force.
Cyriel Dessers and Sam Lammers have struggled since their arrivals in the summer and Kemar Roofe has established himself as a real threat in Beale’s system, so he should get the nod ahead of them for this game.
Alongside him the team needs pace, and Rabbi Matondo’s goal at the weekend could secure him a starting spot ahead of summer signing Abdallah Sima.
In other Rangers news, confirmed team news as Beale drops injury news ahead of Betis clash.