Rangers vs Dundee preview: Team news, possible lineup, prediction
Rangers return to domestic action this weekend as Russell Martin’s side look to bounce back from their lacklustre 1-1 draw with Motherwell.
Gers put on an emphatic display in midweek against Viktoria Plzen, running out as 3-0 winners in their Champions League qualifying fixture, and they will be hoping to make it two wins on the bounce.
Cyriel Dessers was among those who impressed in the win against Plzen, with the striker converting from the spot whilst also displaying some good link-up play as he assisted Djeidi Gassama.
Here, Ibrox News previews the game with Dundee as Martin looks to get his first three points on the board in the Scottish Premiership.
Form Guide (All competitions, including friendlies)
Rangers: WDDDW
Dundee: LWWLL
Team news
Despite the quick turnaround, minimal changes are expected in Martin‘s lineup given their fantastic performance last time out.
James Tavernier is expected to reclaim his position in the starting lineup in the place of Jefte, with Max Aarons shuffling back over to left-back to accommodate Tavernier in the side, with the defender being recently criticised by Kris Boyd.
Nicolas Raskin is also expected to come back into the fold, after Lyall Cameron was preferred to him in midfield in midweek.
Oliver Antman is also set to keep his position after impressing on his debut on the right wing, effectively freezing Kieran Dowell out of Martin’s plans.
Predicted lineup
Dessers should lead the line again following his impressive performance in midweek, with Antman and the in-form Gassama providing the threat from the wide areas.
Joe Rothwell has also played well so far in midfield this season and is expected to line up alongside Raskin and Mohammed Diomande, who struck the bar with a beautiful strike against Plzen.
The heart of the defence should be unchanged, with Nasser Djiga and John Souttar yet to allow a goal at Ibrox so far this season.
Aarons is expected to shift back over to left back from the right as Tavernier returns to the side, with Jack Butland keeping his spot in between the sticks.
Prediction: Rangers 1-0 Dundee
It will be hard for Rangers to produce another electric performance so soon after playing in European competition, but they should still have enough quality to get the job done.
Gassama has got off to a perfect start to his Gers career so far, and after his brace against Plzen, it is hard to predict that the French winger will not have a say in how this game against Dundee transpires.
- Gassama has already scored four goals for Rangers this season
The draw with Motherwell was disappointing, and this will be no walkover, but Martin’s men will surely prove too strong for Dundee.
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