Steven Davis to axe Jose Cifuentes, Borna Barisic to return – Rangers predicted XI v Aris Limassol
Steven Davis is likely to axe two Michael Beale signings for his first starting lineup as Rangers interim manager when they face Aris Limassol on Thursday.
The Ibrox club sacked Beale after ten months in charge following a 3-1 defeat to Aberdeen at the weekend, with former midfielder Davis put in interim charge as they look for a replacement.
And the Northern Ireland international could look to make minimal changes to his side for the Europa League clash in Cyprus on Thursday night, with injuries running rampant in the squad.
Jack Butland will surely keep his place despite the poor result at the weekend, with his performances over the course of the season so far excellent.
James Tavernier and Connor Goldson will continue on the right hand side of defence while Ben Davies should keep his place next to Goldson, with their excellent partnership suffering it’s first defeat in the weekend game.
But after Ridvan Yilmaz was given a rare start at the weekend he will come out of the side after not being registered for the group stages by Beale, meaning Borna Barisic should come back into the fold.
In midfield Ryan Jack and John Lundstram will get the nod from their former teammate in the heart of the pitch, but Ecuadorian midfielder Jose Cifuentes could find himself out of the side after Beale’s departure.
With so many injuries in the squad, there are few options as to who should start in attack though.
Abdallah Sima is in great goalscoring form and should get the nod on the left wing, while Scott Wright could come in on the right as he must serve a suspension in the league following his red card at the weekend.
Kemar Roofe, Danilo, Tom Lawrence and Todd Cantwell are all unavailable in attack, so Sam Lammers and Cyriel Dessers will continue their partnership as they look to find a way to win the fans over after thei slow start to life at Ibrox.
In other Rangers news, Keith Jackson shares who is “leading the way” to become Michael Beale replacement.