Philippe Clement to axe Rabbi Matondo after press conference, three changes -Rangers predicted XI v Real Betis
Philippe Clement is predicted to make three changes to the Rangers starting line-up for Thursday night’s Europa League clash against Real Betis.
It’s being treated like a must-win for the Light Blues, who need to better Sparta Prague’s result or hope the Czechs fail to win against Cypriot minnows Aris Limassol to progress to the Europa League knock-out stages.
Ahead of the game, Clement confirmed he’ll be without Danilo, Ryan Jack and Todd Cantwell, who’s missing the trip to Spain due to personal reasons.
And due to Leon Balogun being ineligible for UEFA competition right now, Clement is expected to make a few changes, starting with Connor Goldson replacing Balogun in the back line.
Sam Lammers is then predicted to start over the unavailable Cantwell while attacker Rabbi Matondo is predicted to be axed by Clement and replaced by young Ross McCausland on the right.
Jack Butland is likely to keep his spot in goal behind a back four of James Tavernier, Goldson, John Souttar and Borna Barisic.
Jose Cifuentes was sent off against Dundee at the weekend but he’s not banned for the trip to Real Betis. He’s therefore expected to start in the midfield alongside John Lundstram due to the shortage of central midfield options Clement has.
McCausland could then start on the right with Abdallah Sima keeping his spot on the left-wing after he attended the pre-match press conference alongside Clement on Wednesday (13 December).
Lammers may start in the number 10 role behind Cyriel Dessers.
While Rangers’ spot in the next round of the Europa League is still up in the air, they do have the safety net of dropping into the Conference League.
But the biggest target this week will be silverware with a trip to Hampden Park on the horizon to play Aberdeen in the Viaplay Cup final on Sunday.
Due to the injury crisis at Ibrox, getting through this Real Betis game unscathed will be top priority.
In other Rangers news, a deal is almost done for this behind-the-scenes arrival at Ibrox.