Rangers vs Servette: Line-Up Prediction

Hopefully the result on Saturday was a massive wake up call to Michael Beale and this Rangers team. Slow build up with zero width and creativity is not what fans hoped for when we were told this Rangers team would play with the ‘handbrake off’.

Rangers need to come out on the front foot from the first whistle on Wednesday. 2 DMs shouldn’t be an option. Servette should be backed into the corner and attacked at will. There’s players at the club which can carry out that task.

This would be my starting line-up for Wednesdays crucial game.

Goalkeeper

GK – Jack Butland – If there were any positives to be taken from Saturday, Butland would be it. He was quick off of his line and not scared to come for crosses.

It was also refreshing having a goalkeeper who didn’t always kick the ball into touch. Early signs are promising and hopefully it stays that way.

Defence

RB – James Tavernier – The captain has been on the end of a lot of criticism since the weekend. From the odd Instagram post on Friday night to the obsession with being the one to take throw-ins. He was poor, along with the rest of the team, on Saturday and needs to step it up.

If Michael Beale is sold on fullbacks providing our width, he needs to get back to form.

CBs – Connor Goldson & John Souttar – Souttar had a nightmare for the goal but other than that neither were really tested. I think this is the strongest CB duo currently at the club and both should keep their place.

LB – Borna Barisic – With Ridvan missing out at the weekend the Croatian left back will surely play again. He’s in the same boat as Tavernier, he needs to step it up. Especially if he’s intending on staying and keeping his place.

Midfield

CDM – Nico Raskin – I would play Raskin as the deepest of the three CMs. He’s great at breaking up play and carrying the ball up the pitch and he is one of the few to show grit and determination throughout the last few games.

He’s always available for the ball and keeps the team moving. The quick tempo can start though him and get Rangers pushed up quickly.

RCM – José Cifuentes – The Ecuadorian international needs to come in. He was half through the MLS season so is match fit. He’ll add an energy that was missing on Saturday.

He can drive forward with the ball and will help create chances. He’s tenacious and energetic which this midfield needs to get on the front foot.

LCM – Todd Cantwell – The decision to drop Rangers best player of the second half of last season was mind boggling. The social media reaction showed how unexpected it was.

Most good things from Rangers in an attacking sense since January came through Cantwell. He needs to be in the team and deserves to be one of the first names on the team sheet.

Forwards

CAM – Sam Lammers – He was poor on Saturday but after a positive preseason, deserves a chance to show what he can do. He’s capable of beating a man and creating space. He needs to show that in competitive football though.

Another display like Saturday and some fans will start writing him off already. I believe he can be quality for the club and hopefully he shows it tomorrow.

ST – Abdallah Sima – Sima stays in for me purely down to his pace. He showed he’s capable of causing problems he just needs to get involved more.

If nothing else, he’s a target. He’s strong in the air while also being quick. He’s an option for a ball in behind or just a long ball up top.

I believe he can be a problem for opposition defences. Let’s hope he proves that against Servette.

ST – Danilo – Another surprising omission from the starting lineup on Saturday. The Brazilian was the big money move this summer and one which had fans excited.

He had a preseason plus friendlies with Feyenord before arriving and looked fitter than Dessers. Why was he on the bench?

He needs to start tomorrow, he’s been known as a sharpshooter and Rangers need someone to put the ball in the back of the net.

Conclusion

There’s no doubt that this is a must win game. Rangers simply must progress passed this round or the club risks losing around £5m.

The additions of Cantwell, Cifuentes and Danilo add a lot more energy to the team. Rangers need to go at Servette from the first whistle.

Let’s hope that handbrake finally gets taken off and we get a positive result. It’s time to get the fans back onside by putting on an impressive display. Are you confident Rangers can beat Servette? Or are you still reeling from the weekend?

You can also check out a scouting report by Swiss football expert Craig King here.