Servette vs Rangers: Line-up Prediction

Tomorrows game is of indescribable importance for Rangers. It not only represents the chance to progress in the Champions League. It will also mean if Rangers did bow out in the play-off round, we would still get around £5m from the parachute payment.

This should’ve been a much more comfortable tie but going over to Geneva with only a single goal advantage means anything can happen. Here’s how I think Rangers will line-up.

GOALKEEPER

GK – Jack Butland – Rangers new number one has started life at the club very well. He made a couple of great saves against Livingston at 1-0 to keep Rangers in the driving seat.

His command of his area and the defence has been the most impressive thing for me. He should, obviously, keep his place.

DEFENCE

RB – James Tavernier – The captain hasn’t been at his best to start the season. That being said, I don’t see him being dropped. At least until Sterling has more minutes under his belt.

He’s capable of more than what he’s provided so far, hopefully tomorrow he gets back to his usual self.

CBs – Connor Goldson & John Souttar – As impressive as Balogun was on Saturday, I don’t see him keeping his place. Souttar has been excellent to start the season and Goldson is the first choice next to him.

They’ll need to be at their best to guide Rangers through this round.

LB – Borna Barisic – Barisic had an excellent assist at the weekend and his width and delivery could be key in Geneva. Let’s just hope he keeps his concentration defensively.

MIDFIELD

CDM – Ryan Jack – I think the Scotland international was rested at the weekend so he could start tomorrow. He offers more defensive cover than Raskin does and is the safer option.

RCM – José Cifuentes – I think Cifu will keep his place in the team and it will be Raskin who drops out. The Belgian hasn’t been at his best so far this season n Cifuentes impressed on his first start.

He provided a great amount of energy and combined well with Tavernier. His ability to win the ball back has really stood out in his minutes on the pitch.

LCM – Todd Cantwell – For me, he’s Rangers best player. He makes everything tick and is the heartbeat of the midfield. He can make something happen in an instant and those players are rare.

Cantwell must start unless he’s injured, he’ll be key to linking the midfield to the forwards.

FORWARDS

CAM – Sam Lammers – Again, against Livingston he showed moments of brilliance. The link up play with Cantwell for his goal was excellent and it was a very composed finish.

He can hold on to the ball and make something happen, he, alongside Cantwell, will be key in linking up the midfield to attack.

ST – Abdallah Sima – Depending on how Servette set up, Sima’s pace could be key on the counter attack. He’s also good in the air incase the ball just needs to be lumped up the park.

Hopefully his first goal on Saturday gives him the confidence to kick on.

ST – Danilo –He scored an excellent header at the weekend and looked dangerous through the middle. He’ll press the defenders and constantly make runs beyond and through the defence.

His movement, coupled with his finishing ability, could be what seal the tie for Rangers.

Conclusion

Every game the team has clicked a bit more and looked more dangerous going forward. I’m confident that will continue in Geneva. Rangers should’ve been going over with more than a one goal lead but I don’t think that will be an issue.

How do you fancy our chances? Will Rangers regret that Lammers miss at 2-0 last week? Or are you confident we can seal our place in the next round?

ICYMI you can read our breakdown of the performance vs Livingston here.

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