Ross McCausland to start, Rabbi Matondo axed – Predicted Rangers XI v Real Betis
Philippe Clement could be set to make some changes to his Rangers starting lineup ahead of their crunch Europa League clash with Real Betis on Thursday.
The Gers closed the gap at the top of the SPFL to five points with a game in hand thanks to a 3-1 win over Dundee at the weekend, and head to Seville knowing they need a win to ensure qualification to the next round of the Europa League.
But with players unavailable and a League Cup Final to come at the weekend, Clement could be set to make some changes to his team in order to get the three points.
Jack Butland will continue in goal undoubtedly despite Clement’s admission that Robby McCrorie will get a chance at some point this season.
In defence the full-backs pick themselves with James Tavernier starting on the right and Borna Barisic the only natural left-back in the squad after Ridvan Yilmaz was left out of the squad by Michael Beale earlier this season.
In the centre Connor Goldson should return to the side after missing the weekend clash but with Leon Balogun ineligible for the game, Ben Davies is likely to come in alongside Goldson to start this game.
In midfield the boss has got very limited options with Nicolas Raskin and Ryan Jack out injured, so John Lundstram is likely to continue alongside Jose Cifuentes despite the Ecuadorian’s red card at the weekend for a high tackle.
In attack Todd Cantwell has bounced back from being hooked in the first-half of the draw v Aris last time out in Europe with some strong performances in his favoured number ten position, so he should continue in that role ahead of Sam Lammers.
On the left Abdallah Sima has rediscovered his goalscoring touch and is comfortably the best option there and so will start, but on the right there is a decision for the boss.
Rabbi Matondo got a rare start against Dundee but struggled to make an impact and after the way Ross McCausland has performed since Clement’s arrival, he will surely be tempted to play the youngster from the start.
Up front Danilo remains out injured and Cyriel Dessers found the net at the weekend, so he will start ahead of Kemar Roofe and Lammers.
In other Rangers news, first-team trio “surplus to requirements” and expected to leave in coming weeks.