Leon Balogun axed as Scott Wright decision made after Philippe Clement presser – Predicted Rangers XI v Sparta Prague
Philippe Clement could be set to make changes to his Rangers starting lineup for their Europa League clash with Sparta Prague on Thursday.
The Gers claimed a 3-1 win over Hearts to earn their place in the League Cup final next month, but the boss confirmed he is likely to be without four players for the big European clash at Ibrox due to injury.
That could see changes made to the starting lineup as they look to claim a much-needed win in the group to keep their hopes of qualification alive.
Jack Butland has continually impressed since his move to the club during the summer and he is undoubtedly the number one goalkeeper at Rangers so will start this game.
James Tavernier has rediscovered his goalscoring touch in recent weeks under Clement and will continue at right-back, while the boss has got Borna Barisic back available again at left-back after missing the reverse fixture through injury so he will start too with Yilmaz unavailable.
Connor Goldson is still the top choice in central defence but his partner has changed in recent games, with Leon Balogun coming back into the side. But Ben Davies is fit again and should be restored, with John Souttar ruled out until after the international break.
Nicolas Raskin is also out until after the break meaning both John Lundstram and Ryan Jack should keep their place in the side, with Jose Cifuentes knocking on the door for an opportunity too.
Ahead of him the forward line has finally been clicking, but once again Clement is going to be short on options with Scott Wright a “major doubt” for the game.
That should see the front four remain unchanged for the game with Todd Cantwell, Sam Lammers and Abdallah Sima supporting Danilo, with both Cyriel Dessers and Tom Lawrence pushing to come off the bench alongside the available-again Kemar Roofe.
In other Rangers news, four ruled out of Europa League clash v Sparta Prague as attacker fit again.