Danny Rohl brings outcast in from the cold in latest Rangers decision vs Kilmarnock
Danny Rohl has named his Rangers starting line-up for the visit of Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.
Rangers hired Rohl this week, ending what had been a long process to find a replacement for the departed Russell Martin.
The German emerged from a process that involved several names, including Steven Gerrard, Kevin Muscat, and Derek McInnes.
There would be no immediate positivity for Rohl, however, as Rangers were beaten 3-0 by Brann in the Europa League on Thursday.
Rohl was spotted apologising to the Rangers fans in the airport after the game, with much of the anger directed towards Kevin Thelwell and Patrick Stewart.
Danny Rohl makes several key changes vs Kilmarnock
Rangers are yet to win at Ibrox in the Scottish Premiership this season, and will face another difficult test against Kilmarnock.
The visitors sit one point above the Gers, and had won two consecutive games before they were stopped in their tracks by league leaders Hearts.
But Kilmarnock do offer a lower tally of expected goals in the league this season – 9.2 to Rangers‘ 10.7 – and a higher tally of expected goals against – 13.9 to the Gers’ 8.1.
| Rangers | Scottish Premiership 2025-26 | Kilmarnock |
| 9 | Points | 10 |
| 8 | Goals scored | 11 |
| 9 | Goals conceded | 11 |
| 10.7 | Expected goals (xG) | 9.2 |
| 8.1 | Expected goals against (xGA) | 13.9 |
| 13 | Big chances | 17 |
Still, Stuart Kettlewell’s side represents a solid opponent, who are certainly more than capable of giving Rangers problems.
Yousseff Chermiti was slammed for his performance against Brann, and Rohl has responded by dropping the summer signing.
In his place, an intriguing selection from the German sees Danilo come into the starting line-up, despite not appearing in a Scottish Premiership game since the trip to St. Mirren in August.
Nasser Djiga has also been dropped for Derek Cornelius, while Mohamed Diomande returns from injury to take the place of Joe Rothwell.
Oliver Antman starts from the bench, while Bojan Miovski starts in what looks to be a two-striker formation.
- Read more: Danny Rohl must back ‘different class’ Rangers star who could make the difference against Kilmarnock
Danilo can give Rangers something different
Arriving in a situation as dismal as the one Rangers find themselves in, Rohl was always likely to attempt something different.
Few would have expected the reintroduction of Danilo, however. The Brazilian started the season’s first games under Martin, but was left in the cold thereafter.
The striker has taken five shots in his 134 league minutes, amassing an expected goals of 0.37. He has made six recoveries, however, and has won 42.9 per cent of his duels.
Now, though the 26-year-old has been provided with a chance to make his way back into contention, and should be hungry to leave an impression.
And with the cultured presence of Miovski next to him, Danilo may well get the chances to make that opportunity count.
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