Derek McInnes holding his thumb up in the direction of Dan Neil, who is in action for Rangers at Ibrox.

Derek McInnes and Dan NeilImago/ Manh Tung

Rangers predicted XI vs Falkirk: Dan Neil axed, Derek McInnes mixes up attack in three changes

Pete Hanson is the Head of Editorial Standards for Ibrox News as part of the Breaking Media network. With a vast background in sports journalism and data analysis, Pete provides expertise in talent development, strategy planning, and new content strands for all things Rangers. Based in Sheffield, Pete has previously worked for PA Media, Sporting News, and Stats Perform, after earning a Masters in Sports Journalism from Sheffield Hallam University.

Published on:

31 Aug 2026, 10:40 am

Rangers finally got a win on the board in the Scottish Premiership to ease the pressure on Derek McInnes.

The embarrassment of exiting the Conference League play-offs via a penalty shoot-out to Czech out Jablonec put the spotlight on McInnes early in his tnure.

Rangers had also failed to win either of the opening two Scottish Premiership matches, drawing with Dundee United and losing to Hibernian.

But Lawrence Shankland's thumping second-half penalty earned a 1-0 win over Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Sunday.

Now, Rangers are out to keep building some momentum when they visit Falkirk on Wednesday.

Here, Ibrox News has predicted McInnes to make three changes to his line-up for the clash at The Falkirk Stadium.

Rangers to make one change in defence for Falkirk showdown

McInnes looks to be settling things down in terms of his defence, and Ivor Pandur will no dout retain the gloves.

James Penrice looks a shoo-in at left-back, given Tuur Rommens is still working his way back from injury.

Emmanuel Fernandez and Olwethu Makhanya took to be building a good understanding at centre-back, and even with Ben Godfrey available it is hard to see McInnes splitting that duo up.

However, at right-back, Kosta Nedeljkovic has made a couple of appearances off the bench and McInnes might look to bring him in for Dujon Sterling.

Sterling has had his injury issues in the pas, and this might be a good opportunity for him to sit out and Nedeljkovic to get the nod.

James McFadden dumbfounded by 'crazy' thing he saw Cammy Devlin do in Rangers win vs Aberdeen

Dan Neil axed, Daisuke Yokota to return to Rangers' starting XI

Moving into midfield, both Cammy Devlin and Dan Neil copped a bit of criticism from supporters online.

It does seem a little counterintuitive to have both in there, given they are very similar in the roles they do.

Therefore, McInnes could bring in Vanja Dragojevic to play alongside Devlin and provide a little more mobilitiy, with Neil axed to the bench.

Further forward, Kim Min-su enjoyed a lively debut against Aberdeen and McInnes will want to see him continue to be a hive of activity around captain Shankland - who will surely keep his place up top.