Ianis Hagi axed in winger change – Rangers predicted XI v Aberdeen
Philippe Clement could drop Ianis Hagi in the sole change to his Rangers side when they host Aberdeen at Ibrox on 15 January.
Hagi was the only member of the Gers’ front four not to directly contribute to a goal in the 3-1 win over St. Johnstone, and with a fit-again Oscar Cortes back in the fold, he may come into the XI.
Having an out-and-out winger on the left flank, as opposed to natural midfielder Hagi, could allow Danilo and Hamza Igamane to move into a front two together, albeit Clement is still expected to utilise his usual 4-2-3-1 setup.
Ianis Hagi to be axed in sole Rangers change v Aberdeen
The Gers host the Dons with a point to prove after their early-season humiliation at Pittodrie in October, which saw Aberdeen continue an unbeaten start to the season and establish a nine-point gap at the top.
Clement’s side have since bridged that gap and gone nine points clear of Aberdeen themselves, but given they’re still a distant 15 behind Celtic at the summit, the Belgian will be taking no chances.
Injuries aplenty in defence won’t be relieved in time for Clement to welcome back any of Jack Butland, James Tavernier, Dujon Sterling or John Souttar, and he’ll therefore name an unchanged backline.
That means an all-left-footed rearguard of Ridvan Yilmaz, Robin Propper, Clinton Nsiala and Jefte in front of stand-in goalkeeper Liam Kelly, with Nico Raskin wearing the captain’s armband.
Raskin will be partnered once again at the base of midfield by Mohamed Diomande, who after rounding off their nine-minute scoring spree against St. Johnstone, has firmly established himself as undroppable.
Cortes coming back into the side on the left flank should allow both him and Vaclav Cerny, who got the Gers’ second goal on Sunday, to stretch the Aberdeen defence – a contrast to their display at Pittodrie.
Danilo playing in behind opening goalscorer Igamane – who has become the Bears’ main man this season – worked a treat against St. Johnstone, and could do so against an out-of-form Aberdeen side.
However, Cortes and Cerny’s presence on the flanks could allow the Brazilian to move back into his usual striking role alongside Igamane up front, as Clement looks to do damage on a Dons defence which is there for the taking.
In other Rangers news, a “very, very senior” Ibrox source has set out the board’s stall when it comes to the sacking of Clement.
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