Mikey Moore given the nod in two changes from Celtic defeat – Rangers predicted XI vs Roma
Mikey Moore could be set to start for Rangers in their crucial Europa League clash with Roma on Thursday night.
The Gers are preparing for what could be a special night under the lights at Ibrox, as they go in search of a victory that would reinvigorate their European campaign.
Danny Rohl’s men are currently sitting bottom of the entire league phase after the opening three games, and they face a daunting task against Gian Piero Gasperini’s impressive Roma outfit.
The upturn that Rohl has overseen at Rangers suffered a setback on Sunday as they were beaten by Celtic in the semi-final of the Premier Sports Cup, and the boss could be about to ring the changes as a result.
Youssef Chermiti dropped in Rangers attacking reshuffle
Youssef Chermiti was woeful for Rangers in Sunday’s defeat at Hampden Park, and Rohl surely cannot continue to persist with him leading the line.
The Portuguese offers very little in terms of a goal threat, while Danilo is firmly in form, having found the back of the net twice in his last three games.
Rohl is surely likely to drop Chermiti to the bench and opt for the Brazilian to spearhead the attack, which will open the door for a pair of changes in the rest of the attacking unit.
Thelo Aasgaard is set to drop out of the XI after his silly red card at the weekend, and Moore is likely to be the man to come in after another impressive cameo from the bench.
The 18-year-old has improved with every passing game since Rohl’s arrival, and his displays deserve to be rewarded with a start against one of European football’s fellow big boys.
Djeidi Gassama may also be recalled to the starting XI, with Rohl hoping that the Frenchman can produce another moment of magic after his eye-catching exploits in continental action earlier in the season.
The winger has five goals from nine games in Europe this season, and he will surely be desperate for the chance to impress against Serie A opposition.
Rangers top Europa League for concerning stat
Rangers have a big task on their hands against Roma, but if they are to have any chance of snatching a positive result, then they must improve in one key area.
| Rank | Team | xG Conceded | League Rank |
| 1 | Rangers | 7.8 | 36th |
| 2 | Malmo | 7.6 | 31st |
| 3 | Red Bull Salzburg | 7.2 | 34th |
| 4 | Sturm Graz | 6.4 | 27th |
| 5 | Red Star Belgrade | 6.1 | 30th |
The Gers have conceded a total xG of 7.8 in their three league phase games so far, a higher total than any of the other 35 teams in the Europa League.
It is simply not sustainable for them to continue conceding such high-quality chances and expect to pick up points, especially against a team of Roma’s level.
The Italian capital club have genuine world-class players within their ranks, and if Rangers are all at sea at the back, then it could easily be an embarrassing scoreline.
With that in mind, the likely back three of Nasser Djiga, John Souttar and Derek Cornelius have a vital role to play, alongside Jack Butland, to ensure that Rohl’s men can at least get a foothold in the game.
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