Gassama and exit-linked teammate start – Rangers predicted XI v Middlesbrough
Russell Martin must juggle the Champions League with pre-season friendlies as Rangers prepare to face Middlesbrough.
The Gers defeated Panathinaikos 2-0 in the first leg of their Champions League clash, with a trip to Greece penciled in for next week.
Djeidi Gassama impressed on his Rangers competitive debut, scoring the second after coming on as a late substitute.
Martin also heaped praise on Findlay Curtis for his goal, while Hamza Igamane and Cyriel Dessers came on from the bench.
Now, the Glasgow club will move on to Middlesbrough, who they face in a pre-season friendly at Ibrox on 26 July.
Martin to play Igamane and Dessers against Boro
Martin impressed many with his Rangers tactical nous, with the Bears scoring twice from aggressive and direct counter-attacks.
Now he is likely to rotate, given that he needs his best players to be fit for the return leg against Panathinaikos.
With that in mind, Jack Butland will be expected to make way for Liam Kelly, while Jefte, Emmanuel Fernandez, and Ben Davies could come into the defence.
Max Aarons played a part in Gassama’s goal, but could do with further practice after giving the ball away in dangerous positions.
| Aarons’ statistics v Panathinaikos | Total |
| Minutes | 90 |
| Accurate passes | 90/93 (97%) |
| Ground duels (won) | 5 (4) |
| Possession lost | 9 |
In midfield, Martin is likely to rest the likes of Nicolas Raskin and Mohamed Diomande, meaning Lyall Cameron, Connor Barron, and Bailey Rice could be given the nod.
It is in attack where Rangers’ boss could put players in the shop window, with Igamane and Dessers likely to get more minutes.
Gassama came on as a late substitute against Panathinaikos, meaning he could do with more playing time ahead of the away leg.
Martin to assess his Rangers squad before Champions League clash
The Gers’ boss can now run his eye over some of his fringe players before a critical game with Panathinaikos.
While he could name the same team when the two sides meet next week, he can use the friendly against Boro to make sure.
Igamane and Dessers both came on as substitutes and have been linked with moves away from Ibrox, but could end up staying.
If they do, then Martin will need to call upon them, and if things get tight with Panathinaioks, then they will need to be ready.
Whoever plays against Middlesbrough will want to stake their claim for the impending Champions League decider.
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