Beale makes four changes – Rangers confirmed starting XI for Europa League clash v Real Betis
Rangers have confirmed their starting XI for their opening Europa League group stage clash as Real Betis visit Ibrox on 21 September, as they look to get their campaign off to a winning start.
Borna Barisic returns to the side in place of Rivan Yilmaz, while Rabbi Matondo, Abdallah Sima and Jose Cifuentes also start in place of Nicolas Raskin, Sam Lammers and Danilo.
Todd Cantwell, Raskin, Danilo and Kieran Dowell all miss out with injury issues after Michael Beale confirmed their absences in his press conference on Wednesday [20 September].
Getting off to a strong start
Rangers will need to get off to a strong start if they want to put themselves in an excellent position to achieve progression from the group, while Beale will be hoping for a second straight victory to ease the pressure he is facing after a tricky start to the season.
With injuries to some especially key players in Cantwell, Danilo and Raskin, Beale has been forced to make changes to his side and will be hoping he can trust their replacements to step up their own performances.
This Europa League campaign will provide the manager with his best opportunity to impress the fans, with domestic victories necessary but expected, while European clashes bring an extra level of competition in which he will impress many if they can perform strongly.
Real Betis full-back Hector Bellerin recently admitted Rangers would be the favourites to progress from the group, and it will be up to the Glasgow side to meet expectations and show the other teams in the group why they should be worried.
In other Rangers news, Chris Jack has warned Beale by making a GvB comparison ahead of their Europa clash.