After an excellent win against Real Betis on Thursday night, Rangers fans will be hoping that form can carry over into domestic action against Motherwell. The last hour of the match on Thursday evening was dominated by the Ibrox club. That’s the way they have to play domestically also. Get on the front foot front the start, create chances and score goals.
Fans aren’t asking for much. They just want to see a Rangers side that’s willing to attack and go at the opposition. Especially at home this should always be the case.
Is the handbrake finally of? Was Thursday the beginning of the style Beale has described so often? Sunday is a huge fixture as Rangers need to go on a winning streak domestically. Particularly to get fans back on Michael Beale’s side.
I predict the manager will stick with the 4231 adopted on Thursday but some players will be rotated. Let’s look at my predicted line up.
GOALKEEPER
GK – Jack Butland – Another couple of excellent saves on Thursday secured the win and clean sheet. He’s been superb since coming in and fans have taken to him very quickly.
DEFENCE
RB – Dujon Sterling – With so many games coming up I reckon James Tavernier will be rested. Sterling hasn’t had many chances so he’ll need to take this one to show he should be in contention for the RB spot.
CBs – John Souttar & Ben Davies – A rest for Connor Goldson seems viable. Davies probably still needs the minutes in his legs. That being said, a Souttar and Balogun pairing wouldn’t surprise me.
LB – Ridvan Yilmaz – I expect to see weekly rotation in the left back spot. With Ridvan playing to keep Barisic fresh for the European ties.
If he wants to make the spot his own and get back into the European squad (if we make it beyond Christmas) he needs to work on his final ball.
MIDFIELD
CDM – Ryan Jack – A start for Jack seems likely tonight. Cifuentes hasn’t set the world alight so far and it’s crucial Rangers keep the ball better tonight.
Not many in the team keep the ball as well as he does. A calm and composed head at the base of the midfield is necessary to secure the win.
CDM – John Lundstram – Probably not a pairing that excites fans. However, after Sunday’s performance I don’t see Rice coming in to start.
I think Beale will play it safe and defensive in front of the defence. Again, probably not what fans want but I think that’s what the manager will go with.
CAM – Sam Lammers – There aren’t many options for this spot now. Lammers will probably keep his place but still has plenty to prove.
8 shots on Sunday without a goal, that needs to improve and quickly.
FORWARDS
RW – Abdallah Sima – With the players available, Rangers need to use pace. Without the pace and width there doesn’t look to be much danger from anywhere.
Sima is capable of causing problems with his pace and power.
ST – Kemar Roofe – The difference with Dessers starting up top on Sunday was huge. He doesn’t offer the intelligence that Roofe does on the pitch.
Kemar Roofe is excellent at creating space for himself and others. This will be necessary in what will probably be a defensive Livingston performance.
LW – Scott Wright – He came in from the cold on Sunday and for some reason ended up playing as a number 8. Hopefully he can start on the wing and provide width and pace similar to what Matondo has so far.
He’s a capable ball carrier but needs to work on his decision making. With Matondo out for 6 weeks, Rangers need Wright to step up.
CONCLUSION
Livingston lost 3-0 at home to a 10 man Celtic side at the weekend. Rangers should fancy themselves at Ibrox and need to go out all guns blazing.
This is another evening where just a win won’t appease fans worries. Yes Rangers have won 3 with 3 clean sheets since the international break but the domestic performances have still been unconvincing.
Tonight represents a chance to show what this side is capable of. Do you fancy Rangers chances this evening? What’s your score prediction?
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ICYMI you can read our thoughts on Jack Butland’s performance against Motherwell here.