Philippe Clement can save Rangers title bid as Cyriel Dessers axed – Confirmed XI v Dundee
Rangers have confirmed their starting XI for the SPFL clash with Dundee at Dens Park on 17 April, with Philippe Clement electing to axe Cyriel Dessers and replace him with Kemar Roofe.
Three changes were made as Roofe, Tom Lawrence and Dujon Sterling replaced Dessers, Kieran Dowell and Borna Barisic in the side as Clement looks to bounce back from the 3-2 defeat against Ross County.
Given 29-year-old Dessers’ struggles in front of goal this season which have led to widespread criticism, the decision to bring Roofe in upon his return from injury looks to be the perfect one from the boss.
Philippe Clement makes perfect call ahead of clash v Dundee
Rangers head into their game in hand knowing that nothing other than a win will be good enough to keep their hopes of winning the SPFL title alive as taking all three points would move them just one point behind Celtic.
The continued presence of Dessers up front has been a point of contention as a result of his abject displays in recent weeks, having scored just one goal in his last seven Rangers appearances in all competitions.
Roofe, meanwhile, has suffered injury issues throughout the season, leading to questions about whether he will be staying at Ibrox beyond the end of this season, but the manager’s faith in a must-win game should provide a huge boost.
If Rangers can win the rest of their games – which includes a trip to face Celtic at Parkhead – they will win the league. The title remains very much in their hands, but that must start with a win at Dens Park with help from Roofe.
In other Rangers news, Clement is facing more issues at Ibrox.
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