John Souttar left out by Danny Rohl in three changes – Rangers predicted XI vs Livingston
James Tavernier could be welcomed back into Rangers’ starting line-up for this weekend’s clash with Livingston.
Danny Rohl‘s side come into the game off the back of a thrilling 4-2 win over league leaders Hearts at Ibrox, with Youssef Chermiti scoring a hat-trick last weekend.
With three points now separating Hearts, Rangers and Celtic, the Bears can’t afford to drop points against Marvin Bartley’s side at Almondvale Stadium.
Livingston are winless in 25 league games, and Rohl may look to make a few changes to his starting lineup, which would include bringing Tavernier back into the team.
Dujon Sterling axed for James Tavernier in three Danny Rohl changes
Dujon Sterling is certainly a better defensive option than Tavernier, but he isn’t well-versed when going forward.
He didn’t form a great partnership with Andreas Skov Olsen against Hearts, and Tavernier is certainly better suited to the team, which was proven when he came off the bench.
The 34-year-old is the joint-top scorer for Rangers in the Scottish Premiership with seven goals, and he has proven over the last decade that his deliveries from out wide can cause havoc in the opposition box.
| Stat | Tavernier |
| Appearances | 556 |
| Goals | 142 |
| Assists | 125 |
Given the fact that Tavernier’s goalscoring record is out of this world, playing against the league’s worst side could see him notch a few more goal involvements on Sunday.
Djeidi Gassama could also come into the side for Skov OIsen after the Frenchman recorded a wonderful assist against the Jambos.
And the final change could see Nasser Djiga replace John Souttar in the starting lineup as Rohl looks to freshen up the defence.
Although the Scottish centre-back signed a contract extension in Govan on Thursday, it would be best if he is rested on Sunday.
- Read more: Everything we know about James Tavernier’s Rangers contract: Update on talks, wages and more
Rohl can’t risk starting John Souttar vs Livingston
Djiga made several mistakes for the Bears in the first half of the campaign, with his disastrous performance in the 6-0 loss to Club Brugge on 27 August coming under intense scrutiny.
However, since returning from AFCON, the Burkina Faso international has stepped up when called upon by Rohl, and given that Souttar isn’t in the best of form, the 23-year-old could start alongside Emmanuel Fernandez.
Souttar has had his fair share of injuries this campaign, and that has surely contributed to his poor performances.
The 29-year-old defender was beaten in the air by Claudio Braga for Hearts’ second goal in Rangers’ 4-2 win, which is something that should never happen for a centre-back of his stature.
As a result, Djiga must be rewarded for his own impressive form by taking Souttar’s place in the team for the clash against Livingston.
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