Gassama and Dessers start as forward axed – Rangers predicted XI v Motherwell
Rangers begin the new Scottish Premiership campaign with a trip to Motherwell on Saturday.
The Ibrox outfit will be full of confidence following their exploits in the second round of Champions League qualification against Panathinaikos.
The Gers secured a 1-1 draw in Athens on Wednesday to progress to the next qualifying round, where they will face Viktoria Plzen for a place in the playoff round.
Now the focus turns to the league and trying to close the gap to arch-rivals Celtic, who finished 17 points ahead of them last season.
Martin sticks with the same defence for Rangers
Jack Butland is expected to retain his place between the sticks after a great performance against Panathinaikos.
- Butland made five saves in the Athens clash in an inspired display.
- Peter Lovenkrands has hailed Martin for showing faith in Butland.
James Tavernier is predicted to start at right-back, with new addition Max Aarons continuing to feature from the left flank over the likes of Ridvan Yilmaz and Jefte.
John Souttar and Nasser Djiga might keep their places at the heart of defence, as they seem to be Martin’s preferred partnership.
Veteran midfielder Joe Rothwell is expected to be given the nod at the base of midfield, with Nicolas Raskin and Mohamed Diomande in more advanced roles.
Two changes in attack for Rangers
Findlay Curtis has been the breakout star of pre-season, and he might retain his spot on the left flank, with Hamza Igamane not back to full fitness yet.
Cyriel Dessers is predicted to replace Danilo in the starting line-up for the first contest of the new league season.
The Nigerian struck 18 times in 35 league games last season, and he may be handed a start over the Brazilian, who has struggled for goals since joining the Gers.
The final piece of the jigsaw is expected to be Djeidi Gassama, the winger signed from Sheffield Wednesday, who scored in both clashes with the Athens outfit and may be rewarded.
That attack should be enough to get the job done at Fir Park and get their domestic campaign off to the right start.
If it is not, the likes of Igamane and Danilo may have the chance to make an impact off the substitutes’ bench.
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