Philippe Clement drops unexpected star – Rangers confirmed XI v Tottenham
Connor Barron has been dropped as Philippe Clement names his starting XI as Rangers face Tottenham in the Europa League.
The Gers named their starting side on X to take on the Lilywhites at Ibrox, with Barron one of four changes made by Clement from their 3-0 victory at Ross County last time out.
With Danilo and Ianis Hagi ineligible due to not being named in the Light Blues’ European squad, they both drop out of the matchday side, with Barron joined among the substitutes by Leon Balogun.
In their place come Robin Propper, Ridvan Yilmaz, Mohamed Diomande and Nedim Bajrami, with Clement reshuffling several players around as his side prepare to tackle the Premier League big-hitters.
Philippe Clement axes Barron amid four changes for Rangers v Tottenham
Barron has been one of Clement’s go-to players both domestically and on the continent this season, but despite performances like the one which earned high praise against FCSB, Diomande gets the nod.
Similarly, despite Igamane impressing in a wide position for the Light Blues in recent weeks when Danilo starts up top, the Moroccan is moved centrally to accommodate Jefte pushing forward from left-back.
That leaves Cyriel Dessers – the Gers’ top scorer in all competitions this season – on the bench with Barron and co, but the Nigerian will be likely to enter the fray late on if Clement is in need of a goal.
Jefte possibly playing left-wing rather than at left-back sees Ridvan make just his fourth start of the season, providing more cover for Propper on the left side of Gers’ centre-back pairing with John Souttar.
Bajrami’s return – and the Albanian being likely to be given a rare start in his preferred number 10 role – could open new doors for the Light Blues in this game, and Clement will be keen to see his star signing finally show his best form.
In other Rangers news, one player’s return from injury at Auchenhowie gives Clement the perfect chance to cash in this January.
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