Cyriel Dessers out as Clement rings five changes – Rangers predicted XI v St Johnstone
Philippe Clement could make five changes to his Rangers side for the Scottish League Cup tie against St Johnstone on Saturday 17 August.
The Light Blues will be reeling from their Champions League exit at the hands of Dynamo Kyiv on Tuesday (11 August) with Clement expected to shake up his side ahead of the second-round clash.
Rangers, who won the competition last season, have progressed past the second round in the past ten times of asking and will hope to put the midweek disappointment behind them with a comprehensive defence of the League Cup.
Rangers turn their attention to the defence of the League Cup
Jack Butland is likely to rested with summer signing Liam Kelly set for his debut for the club between the sticks.
Jefte, despite his sending off against Dynamo Kyiv, could slot back into left-back with Ridvan Yilmaz facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines for the injury suffered in the Champions League qualifier in midweek.
The rest of the defence is likely to speak for itself. Exit-linked captain James Tavernier [The National] is predicted to start at right-back, and the currently preferred centre-back pairing of John Souttar and Robin Propper may continue to form their partnership in the defence.
Connor Barron and Mohammed Diomande could make up the midfield pivot with Nicolas Raskin still unavailable for selection. Tom Lawrence may then keep his spot at the spearhead of the midfield three with Kieran Dowell waiting in the wings.
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Ross McCausland was taken off at half-time midweek after an underwhelming first-half performance so Scott Wright could get the nod over the 21-year-old with competition fierce on the wings at the Gers.
Vaclav Cerny was the man to replace McCausland on the night and he impressed during his 45-minute cameo. The Czech winger may slot in the side on the left wing replacing Jefte who’s expected to play at left-back.
Danilo might be the final change for the side Cyriel Dessers has played every match so far this season for Clement, and the upcoming fixture is the perfect opportunity to rest their star man and give some experience to Danilo, who signed from Feyenoord this summer.
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