The big games just keep coming for Philippe Clement – but so do the injury problems for the Rangers boss.
After a disappointing defeat to Kilmarnock left the Light Blues six points off the pace in the race for the Scottish Premiership title, Clement’s men got things back on track in the Europa League with a convincing win over FCSB. But, Rangers didn’t leave the game with a clean bill of health after Tom Lawrence was forced off through injury – and the Welshman now looks set to leave a gaping hole in the playmaker role during the clash with St Mirren.
£4.3m recruit summer recruit Nedim Bajrami could be moved into a central role having played most of his early Ibrox career on the flanks – but would again leave a gap on the left wing that needs filled. Feyenoord loanee Neraysho Kasanwirjo could come into the side and allow Jefte to play in a more advanced position against the Buddies.
Zak Lovelace – who caught the eye of Clement in during the B team’s win over Stenhousemuir – is another contender to come in. But the Belgian has another potential problem up front.
Cyriel Dessers was replaced against the Romanian champions with an eye injury – while raw striker Hamza Igamane came on to net his first goal for Rangers. With Dessers in the midst of a six-game streak without a goal, the Moroccan could be given the nod.
Nicolas Raskin was among the standouts from the midweek clash after partner Connor Barron in the midfielder engine room. The duo look set to keep Mohamad Diomande out of the starting XI for at least one more game.
Predicted Rangers XI
Goalkeepers
- Jack Butland
- Liam Kelly
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
- Vaclav Cerny
Forwards
- Cyriel Dessers
- Hamza Igamane