Cyriel Dessers, Ross McCausland and Ryan Jack axed in 5 changes – Predicted Rangers XI v Aberdeen
Philippe Clement could be set to make as many as five changes to his Rangers starting lineup ahead of their return to SPFL action against Aberdeen on Sunday.
The Gers claimed a 2-0 win over Livingston in the final game before the international break with goals from Cyriel Dessers and James Tavernier earning the team all three points with a much-changed starting team.
But the boss could switch back to a more familiar lineup at Pittodrie on Sunday, with several of the team returning from international duty and the manager having more time to work with the squad.
In goal Jack Butland has had time to recharge after a busy period in the season, and should return between the sticks after establishing himself as the number one at Ibrox.
James Tavernier has seen his form return since Clement’s arrival at the club and will continue at right-back, while Connor Goldson has kept his place as the first-choice central defender. His partner has changed several times with Leon Balogun preferred most recently, but Ben Davies should come in after a chance to recover and rest during the break.
At left-back Borna Barisic has been linked with an exit away from Ibrox with his contract running down, and while Ridvan Yilmaz has also had his future questioned he should get a run in the starting lineup and deserves the nod in this game ahead of the veteran Croatian.
John Lundstram has established himself as a top performer with his energetic style in midfield and should keep his place, but the boss will be hopeful that Nicolas Raskin is fit again after injury recently to return to the lineup ahead of Ryan Jack to add a bit more finesse.
Further forward Ross McCausland impressed in his first start against Livingston an earned a senior call-up for the Northern Ireland national team, but Todd Cantwell is still the better player and should get the nod on the right.
On the left Abdallah Sima has nailed down that spot with his excellent form even though his goalscoring has dried up in recent weeks. As the number 10 Sam Lammers has looked better since Clement came into the club, but Tom Lawrence is more natural and deserves another start.
Up front Dessers got a goal but his overall performances have left a lot to be desired, while Danilo has excelled and should be seen as the number one striker option at the club for now.
In other Rangers news, Barry Ferguson tells Gers to re-sign hero in January.