Rangers predicted XI vs Club Brugge — Tavernier experiment, new signing axed
Rangers will surely have a completely different starting lineup as they face Club Brugge in the Champions League on Tuesday.
The Gers will host Nicky Hayen’s team at Ibrox on 19 August in the first leg of the European competition’s play-off round.
Russell Martin’s team beat Alloa Athletic 4-2 in the second round of the Premier Sports Cup on 16 August, with the Scottish manager making several changes to the team.
The 39-year-old head will certainly pick a much stronger eleven to face the Belgian club, and some surprises could potentially be on the horizon for the Ibrox faithful.
Joe Rothwell benched as James Tavernier to play left-back for Rangers vs Brugge
Martin may make eight changes against Brugge, with the first coming in goal with Jack Butland’s return.
The Scottish manager could potentially experiment with the backline as John Souttar will surely return, and James Tavernier will play at left-back, a position he played after being substituted for Bailey Rice against Alloa at Ibrox.
Joe Rothwell will possibly return to the bench, with the 39-year-old head coach preferring the midfield trio of Nico Raskin, Mohamed Diomande and Lyall Cameron.
Oliver Antman and Djeidi Gassama should return on the wings as Danilo will likely keep his place in the starting lineup.
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Hamza Igamane and Thelo Aasgaard to make impact off the bench vs Brugge
Martin has hinted that Hamza Igamane and Thelo Aasgaard aren’t yet fully fit to start for the Gers, but they will surely want to make an impact off the bench.
The striker and attacking-midfielder came on as substitutes for the Light Blues as they beat Alloa.
Under the new management, the 22-year-old forward and the ex-Luton Town playmaker have hardly featured for the Glaswegian outfit due to their fitness issues.
Rangers could cash in on Igamane in the coming weeks, with several teams interested in a move for the Moroccan youngster.
- The Gers have scored seven goals in the Champions League this season.
- Brugge beat Red Bull Salzburg 4-2 on aggregate in the Champions League’s third qualifying round.
- The Glaswegian outfit could land around £17.2million for participating in the group stage.
The Gers may not be able to afford the striker’s exit before the end of August after Cyriel Dessers picked up an injury.
Danilo also spent a large chunk of last season on the treatment table, making him somewhat unreliable.
The Ibrox faithful will hope the Light Blues can make it to the group stages of the Champions League, as it comes with its financial advantages.
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