Rangers will aim to return to winning ways in the Europa League as they welcome Romanian side FCSB to Ibrox on Thursday night (kick-off: 8pm). Philippe Clement’s side enter the fixture on the back of a damaging defeat to Kilmarnock on Sunday, where Marley Watkin’s 87th minute strike condemned them to a 1-0 loss at Rugby Park, and fall six points behind both Celtic and Aberdeen.
Losing 4-1 to Lyon in their last Europa League clash, the Belgian boss is desperate for a morale-boosting win, with the pressure firmly on the shoulders of the Rangers boss after an underwhelming start to the campaign.
“They have six points out of six so we have a lot of respect, they are a very good technical team,” said Clement ahead of the game. “It was a big disappointment after the game in Kilmarnock. Nobody was happy with that level of performance. Now we have to switch the mindset and react as quick as possible, we need to be ready for the next game.
“Fans are not happy now, it is about creating consistency again and creating momentum. We spoke about a big rebuild, we are working really hard with the players to get to the level as fast as possible. The process takes time, but we will work as hard as possible.”
The Belgian will be without Ridvan Yilmaz, Oscar Cortes, Rabbi Matondo, Ianis Hagi and Danilo, though Robin Propper and Dujon Sterling hope to feature after taking part in training on Wednesday.
So, how will the Rangers team look against FCSB tomorrow night?
The Scotsman predict the Rangers starting XI for their Europa League clash at Ibrox, using live photos from today’s training session.
1. GK: Jack Butland
Rangers’ regular number one, Butland starts in goal on Thursday.
2. RB: James Tavernier
The captain moved into a more advanced role late on in the weekend defeat to Kilmarnock, but will revert to his regular spot at right-back against FCSB.
3. CB: John Souttar
The Scotland international will hope to respond after his mistake against Kilmarnock at the weekend.
4. CB: Robin Propper
Went off injured against Kilmarnock at the weekend with a calf issue, but has took part in full training on Wednesday so looks fit to start.
5. LB: Neraysho Kasanwirjo
Hasn’t saw many minutes after his impressive debut against Malmo a few weeks ago, the Dutch defender could be restored to the team in order to give Jefte a rest.
6. CM: Nicolas Raskin
The Belgian was ‘unlucky’ not to start against Kilmarnock, according to Philippe Clement. After losing the game, Raskin could be offered a chance in the Rangers engine room on Thursday.
7. CM: Mohamed Diomande
He’s struggled for form a little this season, but with Rangers short on numbers in midfield, he’ll be placed alongside Nicolas Raskin in midfield, with Connor Barron given a chance to rest.
8. RW: Vaclav Cerny
The Czechia winger has had patchy form since his arrival and will face competition from Ross McCausland for his place. However, we think the summer signing will to be given an opportunity to impress from the start.
9. LW: Nedim Bajrami
A rare bright spark in a difficult few weeks for Rangers, the deadline day signing is expected to start from the left against FCSB.
10. CAM: Tom Lawrence
The Welsh midfielder was able to return to the starting XI against Kilmarnock after taking a knock in the last European game against Lyon. One of Rangers’ more in-form players, Lawrence will play in the number 10 role against FCSB.
11. CF: Hamza Igamane
The Moroccan striker (furthest right) could be set for his second Rangers start. Cyriel Dessers is without a goal since September 21 and Igamane could be offered an opportunity to stake his claim.
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