Rangers Confirmed XI v Livingston: Cyriel Dessers and Rabbi Matondo axed
Michael Beale has named his Rangers starting line-up for the ViaPlay Cup quarter-final clash as they face off against Livingston on Wednesday (27 September).
The Gers have made four changes from their 1-0 league victory over Motherwell, with Borna Barišić, Scott Wright, Rabbi Matondo and Cyriel Dessers making way for Ridvan Yilmaz, Abdallah Sima, Kemar Roofe and Ryan Jack.
Despite three consecutive victories and clean sheets in all competitions, Beale remains a man under pressure at Ibrox, with this competition tipped as the Gers’ best chance of silverware this season.
Big win needed
The Ibrox faithful are becoming tired of Rangers’ performances on the pitch. They may have got nine points in their last three points in all competitions, including a surprise Europa League victory against Real Betis, but more is desired.
The League Cup looks to be Beale’s saving grace this season and will need to progress tonight if he has any chance of keeping his job, The Rangers hierarchy is reportedly keeping tabs on replacements, with TEAMTalk reporting (26 September) that AZ Alkmaar head coach Pascal Jansen is being monitored.
Celtic’s 1-0 humbling to Kilmarnock in the second round of this competition, Rangers immediately emerged as favourites to go all the way and will be looking to get their hands on the trophy for the first time in twelve seasons.
While the Gers fans will be keen for a victory, they will take a moment before the game to remember Rangers legend Jim Forrest, who past away on Wednesday (27 September), with both clubs set to hold a minute’s silence before the game.
A big win is needed if fortunes want to change in Glasgow and if Beale wants to remain an employed man. The boss has put out a strong starting XI and will favour his men over Livingston, who sit third from bottom with just six points in the league table.
No one wants more boos to echo around Ibrox this season, but with a defeat here, they may be more deafening than ever.
In other Rangers news, Ally McCoist has delivered a ‘not good’ verdict after the Gers’ 1-0 win against Motherwell.