Philippe Clement axes Todd Cantwell, Fabio Silva decision made – Rangers predicted XI v Kilmarnock
Philippe Clement could be set to make three changes to his Rangers starting lineup for Tuesday’s clash with Kilmarnock at Ibrox.
Clement suffered defeat for the first time as Rangers boss on Saturday (30 December) as Celtic ran out 2-1 victors in a blockbuster clash at Celtic Park.
Goals from Paulo Bernardo and Kyogo Furuhashi before a tremendous James Tavernier free-kick ensured Brendan Rodgers’ men go eight points clear at the top, but the Gers still have two games in hand over their rivals.
The Gers will be looking to return to winning ways when they take on fourth-placed Kilmarnock at Ibrox on Tuesday (2 January) and Clement could be set to axe Michael Beale signing Todd Cantwell for Kieran Dowell.
In goal, Jack Butland will undoubtedly get the nod between the sticks as the rarely-seen Robby McCrorie continues to wait for his chance under the Belgian.
Captain James Tavernier will be expected to keep his place at right-back having been in fantastic form in recent weeks, and gave his teammate a small lifeline against Celtic with a stunning free-kick.
Key man Conor Goldson will be disappointed by his display against the Hoops on Saturday but his experience and know-how will prove valuable again.
Alongside Goldson, Leon Balogun was deservedly sent off in the Old Firm clash and even if he hadn’t been handed the red card, he could well have been in danger of the axe after a torrid individual showing.
At left-back, Borna Barisic missed the game through injury and there’s been no update on whether he would likely return against the Killies so Ridvan Yilmaz could continue.
In midfield, John Lundstram returned from injury to start the Old Firm and looked his usual self with an assured display despite the defeat before being chalked off after 77 minutes, a decision to leave him fresh for Tuesday.
Alongside him in midfield, Dujon Sterling was arguably the best Rangers player on the pitch at Celtic Park so deserves to keep his place in midfield at the expense of Jose Cifuentes who may be overlooked again.
Ryan Jack and Nicolas Raskin are still out of action although the latter did give a social media update on New Year’s Day to reveal that he will be back very soon.
In attack, Clement may be forced into a change and that could see Cantwell axed for Kieran Dowell after a very disappointing showing against Celtic, failing to register a single key pass after getting into really good areas, and winning just 33 per cent of his ground duels [SofaScore].
Dowell should replace Cantwell to slot in at number ten and will have been disappointed to lose his place against Celtic after bagging his first Rangers goal in the 2-0 win over Motherwell.
On the wings, Abdallah Sima has been called up to the Senegal squad (31 December) for the African Cup of Nations this month so may not be available for the game on Tuesday in what will be a considerable blow for Clement.
Rabbi Matondo, who watched on from the bench on Saturday, could replace the 14-goal forward in a huge opportunity for the forgotten attacker.
Ross McCausland impressed against Celtic so is likely to continue at right-wing but Clement has a decision to make on Cyriel Dessers.
The summer signing was wasteful against Celtic and certainly let the occasion get the better of him.
New signing Fabio Silva will be gearing up for a start but his limited minutes this season means he could start from the bench with Dessers kept on upfront.
Kemar Roofe and Danilo are still out injured while Sam Lammers has so far failed to prove he deserves starts when handed the opportunity.
In other Rangers news, the Gers have reportedly already prepared a new £2.5 million bid for another January signing