Tom Lawrence and Rabbi Matondo to be axed – Predicted Rangers XI v St Johnstone
Philippe Clement is unlikely to make too many changes to his Rangers starting lineup for the SPFL clash with St Johnstone on Sunday afternoon.
The Gers claimed a dominant 3-1 win over Ross County on Wednesday night to move level on points with Celtic at the top of the table, while St Johnstone sti 10th in the table with just one win in their last nine games in all competitions.
And after such a strong performance in the week the manager may look to keep some continuity with his lineup, but there are some decisions to make in some key positions at the same time.
Rangers defence has been brilliant under Philippe Clement
Jack Butland has been sensational in between the sticks this season and is the number one without a doubt, so he will start barring any injury.
In defence James Tavernier racked up three assists against Ross County and looks back to his best, so his position isn’t in question while Connor Goldson’s place in the centre of defence is cemented due to his consistent high level of performance.
Leon Balogun is expected to be available to return from a facial injury, but John Souttar grabbed himself a goal and has been performing well so is likely to keep his place in the team while Ridvan Yilmaz continues to shine at left-back to keep his place ahead of Borna Barisic.
In midfield John Lundstram has emerged as a key player for Clement and should start, while Tom Lawrence and Ryan Jack are on personal fitness programmes which leaves their availability in question. That should allow Mohamed Diomande to make his first SPFL start after impressing since arriving in January.
Oscar Cortes can make the shirt his own now
In attack Ross McCausland is shining on the right-wing right now and deserves to start ahead of Scott Wright based on recent performances, while Todd Cantwell has come back from a tough start under the boss to become incredibly important as the number ten.
With Abdallah Sima out injured there is a chance for the left-wing spot to be claimed and Rabbi Matondo has struggled in recent games, being hooked at half-time in midweek despite being labelled “absolutely sensational” during the first-half.
That should allow Oscar Cortes the chance to come in from the start after his own good performances since joining in January, and another good showing could make the shirt his own to lose. Up front Cyriel Dessers grabbed two goal but should have scored five, however he should still keep his spot in the lineup.
In other Rangers news, Gary Nevlle makes “staggering” Ibrox claim as Roy Keane takes Celtic swipe.
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