Sam Lammers returns as John Souttar axed – Confirmed Rangers starting XI v Real Betis
Philippe Clement has made four changes to his Rangers starting XI for their crucial Europa League showdown with Real Betis on Thursday 14 December.
The Light Blues boss has been forced to axe Leon Balogun after he was left out of the Gers’ European squad, replacing him with Connor Goodson, who is partnered in defence with Ben Davies as John Souttar drops to the bench.
With Todd Cantwell not making the trip to Spain, Sam Lammers has replaced the Englishman in the number 10 position despite a recent string of disappointing performances from the Dutchman.
Clement’s final change sees Rabbi Matondo axed from the starting XI and names among the substitutes as Northern Irish winger Ross McCausland looks likely to start on the right-wing.
Season defining week
Weeks don’t come much bigger than this one for Rangers and it is safe to say that the next couple of days could genuinely define the Light Blues season and the start of Clement’s tenure in Glasgow.
Currently, the Viaplay Cup final clash with Aberdeen on Sunday 17 December can be put on the back burner as Rangers have bigger fish to fry. They may have already secured European football after Christmas, but they will want that to be in the Europa League.
It wasn’t too long ago that the Light Blues were reaching the final of this competition, but now they could be facing a group stage exit if they don’t pick up all three points in Spain. The task is simple, win and you’re in the Europa League for a few weeks longer. Lose and you’re relying on others to confirm your place.
Rangers know that they are more than capable of beating Manuel Pellegrini’s side. They managed to pick up all three points against Betis playing some terrible football under Michael Beale, so they should be able to do the same under Clement.
Hopefully, Rangers will get this huge week off to a perfect start with a huge win against Betis and then follow it up with a first piece of silverware under the Belgian on Sunday.
In other Rangers news, Andy Halliday has urged Clement to axe Ridvan Yilmaz for the Viaplay Cup final against Aberdeen