Dowell axed for good in two changes – Rangers predicted XI v Viktoria Plzen
Russell Martin could make two changes to his Rangers side for their Champions League encounter.
Off the back of a disappointing draw away to Motherwell to start the league campaign, Rangers return to Ibrox on Tuesday (5 August) to face Viktoria Plzen in the next round of the Champions League qualifiers.
The Light Blues secured a 3-1 aggregate victory against Panathinaikos in the last round, and Russell Martin will be looking for a similar performance mid-week.
However, to achieve that, the Rangers boss could make a slight tweak to his starting lineup, which could see Kieran Dowell dropped.
Rangers to make two changes for Champions League tie
In terms of the defence, it’s very likely to remain how it was, despite the result last time out against Motherwell.
Jack Butland could start in goal, with a defensive partnership of Nasser Djiga and John Souttar tasked with protecting him.
Summer signing Max Aarons could start on the left again, with James Tavernier on the other side after his goalscoring performance.
Nico Raskin was a standout for Rangers last season and will almost certainly start games when fit, with Mohamed Diomande likely to partner him in the heart of midfield.
Joe Rothwell, another summer Ibrox addition, could start, likely advanced from the duo of Diomande and Raskin, having impressed at Fir Park.
Martin must end Dowell experiment
Dowell started wide right for the Gers against Motherwell, as he has a few times under Martin, in what can only be described as a howler by the Rangers boss.
Findlay Curtis could replace him, with Djeidi Gassama starring on the opposite flank for the Light Blues after a bright start to life in Glasgow.
Cyriel Dessers was a substitute against Motherwell, but given the lack of impact from Danilo, he is expected to return to the starting 11 in the other change.
Whether Mikey Moore has any involvement will largely depend on whether he receives clearance in time.
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