Rangers predicted XI vs Club Brugge — Findlay Curtis forces way, first-team regulars axed
Rangers have a mammoth task against Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Rangers will travel to the Jan Breydel Stadium on 27 August for the second leg of the play-off tie in hopes of overturning a 3-1 deficit from the reverse fixture.
For the first time since 1989, the Light Blues have failed to win any of their opening three league matches as Russell Martin’s men dropped more points against St Mirren in the William Hill Premiership on 24 August.
With most things going against the Scottish manager in recent weeks, he will undoubtedly need to be spot on with the team selection for the Glaswegian outfit’s trip to Belgium.
Joe Rothwell and Max Aarons on Rangers bench vs Club Brugge
Joe Rothwell looked out of breath in Paisley as the Gers struggled to another draw in the league.
Mohamed Diomande should replace the former Bournemouth star in the starting lineup, with Nicolas Raskin and Lyall Cameron continuing in the team.
In the backline, it would make sense to start James Tavernier ahead of Max Aarons, who seems to be out of his depth at Ibrox, and Nasser Djiga may return in place of Emmanuel Fernandez.
Up front, Martin’s experiment with Thelo Aasgaard in the number nine position didn’t work, and Danilo could potentially be back in the centre-forward position, while Findlay Curtis has definitely forced his way into the team at the expense of Oliver Antman.
Read More: Supercomputer predicts result of Champions League play-off vs Brugge
Russell Martin future at Ibrox may be determined in the coming days
Hamza Igamane’s refusal to come on against St Mirren arguably leaves Martin with a clear choice to banish him from the first team.
While some sections of the fans will sympathise with the Scottish manager for the situation he finds himself in currently, the 39-year-old head coach has to take responsibility for the poor performances.
While a comeback against Brugge seems unlikely, Martin has to beat Celtic at Ibrox in the William Hill Premiership on 31 August to avoid embarrassment.
| Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses |
| 9 | 3 | 4 | 2 |
A loss in the Old Firm derby will leave Rangers nine points adrift of their arch rivals, which certainly won’t bode well for the new management.
Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises risk fan mutiny in G51 if the Scottish manager can’t immediately turn the tide at Ibrox.
The pressure in Glasgow feels at an all-time high as supporters have grown weary after several unkept promises over the years.
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