Dujon Sterling decision made after injury – Predicted Rangers XI v Benfica
Philippe Clement has got some big decisions to make on his Rangers starting lineup ahead of the Europa League clash with Benfica.
The Bears claimed a 2-2 draw in Lisbon last week after goals from Tom Lawrence and Dujon Sterling, before reaching the Scottish Cup semi-final at the weekend with a 2-0 win over Hibernian.
But injuries are piling up for the boss after Ross McCausland and Sterling both suffered injuries during the cup win, and now decisions must be made on his starting lineup to have the best chance of progression to the quarter-finals.
Rangers defence is the key to success
Jack Butland has emerged as the best goalkeeper in the country since arriving on a free transfer and he will certainly start again, but the defence ahead of him has been solid since the turn of the year.
Leon Balogun is ineligible after being left out of the squad list by Clement which means John Souttar and Connor Goldson will continue in the centre of defence while captain James Tavernier and in-form Ridvan Yilmaz will take up the full-back spots.
Ahead of them has been John Lundstram who has been in flying form, with a new contract en route as a result. He will start again, especially with Ryan Jack likely to miss out through injury, while Mo Diomande and Tom Lawrence should continue alongside him to provide energy and a goal threat.
The problems come out wide for Clement though, and they’ve only been further exacerbated recently.
Oscar Cortes is out for two months, while all of Todd Cantwell, Kieran Dowell, Dujon Sterling, Rabbi Matondo, Abdallah Sima and Danilo are all unavailable.
That should see Fabio Silva continue on the left-wing and Cyriel Dessers start up front, but Clement may be forced to draft in outcast Scott Wright from the start for a threat on the counter.
In other Rangers news, another attacker ruled out for two months with hamstring injury.
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.