James Tavernier decision made in three changes – Rangers predicted XI v Aberdeen
Philippe Clement is predicted to make three changes as his Rangers side faces Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Wednesday (30 October).
The Gers head north facing an Aberdeen side who could pull nine points clear of them with a win but will be full of confidence after back-to-back wins over FCSB and St. Mirren.
Clement could be set to recall three players to his starting XI after their Scottish Premiership win at Ibrox on 27 October, with Cyriel Dessers, John Souttar and captain James Tavernier all in line to start.
Hamza Igamane, Robin Propper and the impressive Neraysho Kasanwirjo are the trio most likely to drop out of the side, ahead of a match which could prove decisive in the Premiership title race.
Philippe Clement has to get Rangers starting XI right v Aberdeen
Nothing less than a win will do for Clement at Pittodrie, and as such the Belgian will be urged to select the strongest possible team to get the result which can lift the Gers back into the title race.
That means picking Jack Butland, as ever, between the sticks, as well as keeping faith with Jefte and Leon Balogun to make up half of his back four, with two changes coming alongside that.
Tavernier was named on the bench for the first time this season against St. Mirren, and despite Kasanwirjo impressing, it would be no surprise whatsoever to see the captain reinstated at Pittodrie.
Similarly, Souttar being rested after medical advice for Sunday’s (27 October) clash at Ibrox isn’t something which will last, and after another below-par Propper display, expect a switch in central defence.
Connor Barron and Nico Raskin’s partnership at the base of the Bears midfield is blossoming nicely, freeing up Mohamed Diomande, the opening goalscorer against St. Mirren, to make his mark in attack.
Out wide, Nedim Bajrami and Vaclav Cerny are really starting to hit their straps in Light Blue, with Cerny in particular in great goalscoring form over recent weeks.
After his first Gers goal in the FCSB rout, Igamane was given a first league start against St. Mirren, but after he replaced the Moroccan at half-time and played a key role in Cerny’s winner, Dessers will surely return to lead the line.
It’s a match which could define this season’s title race, and if Clement picks a starting XI which can come away from Aberdeen with three points, his side will finally earn the right to call themselves challengers.
In other Rangers news, FCSB’s manager received a direct apology from the referee after what happened in their defeat at Ibrox.
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