It’s another massive game in Europe for Rangers as they look to take a step towards the knockout rounds.
But a clash against French cracks Lyon is another tough test in the Europa League for Philippe Clement’s side and with the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham also coming up a the Ligue 1 side appear to be one of the kinder ties for the Light Blues. And there are some positives for the Belgian boss with Jefte back from suspension – which could mean Feyenoord loanee Neraysho Kasanwirjo sits out this game after impressing in the opening league phase victory over Malmo.
Mohamed Diomande is also available after sitting out Sunday’s win over Hibs with a knock. Clement could gamble and throw the £4.3m recruit straight back into the starting line-up while Nedim Bajrami will be eyeing a recall to the XI having only been fit enough to feature from the bench against Hibs last weekend.
Hamza Igamane was also handed his first start in the victory over David Gray’s side. It looks likely that Clement will go with a Cyriel Dessers in France. One dilemma for the boss is on Vaclav Cerny. The winger has been an ever-present in the Ibrox XI since arriving in the summer – but was was caught telling the home support ‘where to go’ during their 1-0 win on Sunday after a negative reaction from the Ibrox support.
Clement spoke to the player at the side of the pitch before substituting him shortly after the outburst. It remains to be seen if the Czech international will be given the nod again against Lyon after the spat.
Predicted Rangers XI
Goalkeepers
- Jack Butland
- Liam Kelly
- Lewis Budinauckas
Defenders
- James Tavernier
- Robin Pröpper
- John Souttar
- Dujon Sterling
- Jefté
- Neraysho Kasanwirjo
- Leon Balogun
Midfielders
- Connor Barron
- Mohamed Diomande
- Nedim Bajrami
- Kieran Dowell
- Nicolas Raskin
- Tom Lawrence
- Vaclav Cerny
Forwards
- Cyriel Dessers
- Hamza Igamane