The possible line-up that Philippe Clement could select on Wednesday night.
Glasgow Rangers are set to participate in their second-to-last Scottish Premiership fixture of 2023, hosting Ross County at Ibrox on Wednesday evening.
The Light Blues have achieved victories in each of their last six top-flight matches and aspire to extend the winning streak to seven before facing Celtic in the much-anticipated Old Firm clash over the weekend.
Manager Philippe Clement’s squad enters this match fresh from a convincing 2-0 triumph over Motherwell on Christmas Eve, securing a comfortable away victory. Early goals courtesy of Kieran Dowell and Todd Cantwell in the first half ensured a three-point haul for the Scottish giants. Considering the quick succession of two games, the Belgian head coach may opt to rotate the starting XI.
Here is Football FanCast’s anticipated Rangers lineup for the upcoming clash against Ross County under the floodlights at Ibrox on Wednesday night:
- Jack Butland The preferred choice for starting goalkeeper remains Jack Butland, who has amassed an impressive 12 clean sheets in 18 league matches since joining from Crystal Palace in the summer. With an outstanding save percentage of 81%, the 30-year-old has proven to be a formidable obstacle for opposing players.
- James Tavernier Leading the defensive lineup at right-back is the captain and key figure, James Tavernier. With nine goals and five assists in 18 top-flight starts this season, the English dynamo serves as Rangers’ penalty taker and skipper. He aspires to bridge the gap with Celtic and secure the Premiership title for the second time in his career in 2024.
- John Souttar Introducing the first alteration to the starting XI, John Souttar could step in for the potentially injured Connor Goldson at the heart of the defense. Clement may exercise caution with Goldson, opening the door for the Scotland international to return on the right side of the center-back pairing. Souttar, with eight Premiership starts, has showcased formidable defensive skills, winning 84% of ground duels and 70% of aerial contests.
- Leon Balogun Continuing alongside Souttar in defense is Leon Balogun, expected to maintain his spot after an outstanding performance against Motherwell. Recognized as Clement’s unsung hero in the previous match, the experienced defender displayed imperious defensive skills.
- Ridvan Yilmaz Turkish international Ridvan Yilmaz is anticipated to start at left-back, following a solid performance in the last outing. With four interceptions and one chance created in the previous game, Yilmaz could pose a challenge to Borna Barisic’s position with a consistent run of impressive displays.
- Leon King In a potential second change, academy starlet Leon King may feature at the base of the midfield. With key midfielders unavailable, Clement could rotate Dujon Sterling to avoid fatigue and initiate King, a youth team graduate. King’s background as a natural center-back might provide a solid shield in front of the back four.
- Kieran Dowell Kieran Dowell is likely to retain his spot in midfield following an impressive display in his third league start of the campaign. The summer signing from Norwich City opened the scoring in the previous match with a well-taken goal.
- Todd Cantwell Joining Dowell in the midfield trio is another former Norwich playmaker, Todd Cantwell. Following a fine finish from Abdallah Sima’s assist in the last game, Cantwell showcased his goal-scoring prowess and creative abilities.
- Rabbi Matondo The third and final change to the lineup could involve Rabbi Matondo, potentially starting ahead of Ross McCausland. Clement might introduce the Wales international as part of squad rotation, aiming to refresh the team. Matondo’s electrifying pace could be instrumental in creating opportunities for fellow attackers.
- Cyriel Dessers Maintaining his position at the top end of the pitch is Cyriel Dessers. Given the current lack of depth in the striking position, the Nigeria international is expected to start again after an absence of natural strikers on the bench in the previous game.
- Abdallah Sima Completing the attacking lineup on the left is Brighton & Hove Albion loanee Abdallah Sima. In exceptional form since arriving on loan over the summer, Sima has contributed nine goals and two assists in 13 Premiership starts, presenting a significant goal threat from the wing.