Clement to go unorthodox, axe Dessers – Rangers predicted XI v Manchester United
Philippe Clement will possibly make five changes to his line-up when Rangers face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Thursday.
The Belgian is certain to bring some of his heavy hitters, including Hamza Igamane, Vaclav Cerny and Nico Raskin, back into his team after beating Fraserburgh 5-0 in the Scottish Cup on Sunday, 19 January.
Liam Kelly and Ridvan Yilmaz could also be named in the starting XI to face the Red Devils as the Gers return to UEFA Europa League action.
That means Mason Munn, Zak Lovelace, Ross McCausland and Cyriel Dessers drop out, while Mohamed Diomande is ruled out due to suspension.
Philippe Clement to go unorthodox in Manchester United v Rangers
Kelly will continue to guard the goal for Rangers in Jack Butland’s absence, while Clement is unlikely to name an unchanged back four of James Tavernier, Robin Propper, Clinton Nsiala and Jefte against United.
The Light Blues have added Rafael Fernandes to their ranks this month, but will have to wait until the knockout phase to be added to the Europa League squad. Even if he was, he is not ready to start yet as per the manager anyway [Rangers News].
Diomande is suspended after accumulating three yellow cards in his six Europa League appearances this season, meaning Raskin will be joined by Connor Barron this time.
Cerny will take his place on the right side of the attack, with Nedim Bajrami playing down the middle.
Meanwhile, not naming Ianis Hagi in his Europa League squad at the start of the season leaves Clement with a dilemma about who to start on the left wing on Thursday.
He may take an unorthodox approach by playing Yilmaz there, having done that in the 1-1 draw against Tottenham last month.
Dessers was the hat-trick hero for the Gers against Fraserburgh at the weekend, but make no mistake that number nine spot still belongs to Igamane.
In other Rangers news, a Gers player is in talks with an English club over a January transfer.
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