There was a worry that Rangers would be going into their Premier Sports Cup final showdown shorn of confidence and worn out after an Ange Postecoglou onslaught.
But their Europa League encounter with Tottenham is now looking like just the tonic ahead of a Hampden clash with Celtic. Philippe Clement’s side only increased the pressure on the former Hoops boss and turned in arguably their best display of the season against the English Premier League big guns. Far from being an energy sapping ordeal, the Spurs spectacle served as a handy audition for the big Hampden stage.
Adrenaline may have to get some through their Old Firm battle, but that’s always the case when Scotland’s big two meet. The one negative from Thursday night was an apparent groin injury to John Souttar, who looks likely to miss out. Leon Balogun has basically confirmed as much by stating he expects to start at the national stadium, and the experience campaigner should slot in alongside Robin Propper without any issues.
Hamza Igamane has been the breakthrough star of Rangers’ season. From being the invisible man for the first few months, he’s burst on to the scene to provide fans who were growing weary of Cyriel Dessers some excitement. The Moroccan has almost certainly played his way into the Cup Final team, while Danilo’s exclusion from European duty leaves him fresh for Hampden. Whether Igamane starts through the middle instead of the Brazilian or as one of the wide options remains to be seen – with Ridvan Yilmaz thrusting him into contention for the left flank spot with his Spurs display.
Mohamed Diomande’s display against Spurs may keep Ianis Hagi and Connor Barron on the bench. There’s so many decisions. James Tavernier not starting an occasion like this would have been unthinkable before, but the torrid time he tends to get from Daizen Maeda may give Clement food for thought.
Predicted Rangers XI
Provisional Rangers squad
Goalkeepers
- Jack Butland
- Liam Kelly
- Lewis Budinauckas
Defenders
- James Tavernier
- Rıdvan Yılmaz
- Robin Pröpper
- Dujon Sterling
- Jefté
- Leon Balogun
Midfielders
- Connor Barron
- Mohamed Diomande
- Nedim Bajrami
- Kieran Dowell
- Nicolas Raskin
- Ianis Hagi
- Vaclav Cerny
- Ross McCausland
Forwards
- Cyriel Dessers
- Danilo
- Hamza Igamane