Thelo Aasgaard starts as Derek McInnes hands out five debuts - Rangers predicted XI vs Dundee United

Thelo Aasgaard could start when Rangers open their Scottish Premiership campaign against Dundee United on Friday.

The nine-cap international went off injured in the pre-season clash with West Ham, with doubts about his involvement against the Tangerines in the curtain raiser.

However, Ibrox News shared reports earlier on Wednesday that Aasgaard was back in training at Auchenhowie.

That is a boost for Derek McInnes, who will watch the contest from the stands, due to a touchline ban.

McInnes' ban is a result of his complaints over Celtic's late penalty in their 3-2 win over Motherwell at the end of last season.

He will still have a say over team selection, though, and could hand out five debuts on 31 July.

How could Rangers set up vs Dundee United?

Ivor Pandur is expected to make his official debut between the sticks after signing from Hull earlier this summer.

McInnes is predicted to stick with the same backline that has been a staple in pre-season, Dujon Sterling, debutant Ben Godfrey, Emmanuel Fernandez and Tuur Rommens.

Cammy Devlin and Vanja Dragojevic might also be given their first official starts in the centre of midfield.

Findlay Curtis and Aasgaard, who played for Norway at the World Cup, are expected to be the combination on the flanks, if the Norwegian comes through training with flying colours as expected.

Lawrence Shankland and Youssef Chermiti are predicted to lead the line, with the former being named as the new captain of the G51 club ahead of his debut.

Why Shankland and Chermiti should get the nod over Ryan Naderi

The Gers need to send a statement to the rest of the division, that they are going to be title contenders this season.

Starting Shankland and Chermiti should give them the best chance to do that, even if Ryan Naderi feels left out.

They combined for a total of 24 goals in the league last season, with the Scot notching 13 strikes and the Portugal Under-21 star getting 11 in his first season with the Light Blues.

The German only managed one goal in nine matches in the division after signing from Hansa Rostock, meaning that he should be third in the pecking order.

That should be enough firepower to get them through against Jim Goodwin's side, with Naderi providing back-up from the bench.