Philippe Clement is likely to ring in the changes to face Aberdeen with John Souttar, Tom Lawrence and Ianis Hagi among those available again.
And it’s also a near-certainty he’ll bring James Tavernier and Cyriel Dessers back into the fold after their clash with St Mirren proved they can’t do without them. They were down to their bare bones against Saints, especially so with Tavernier and Dessers rested for a game sandwiched between Euro action last midweek and tonight’s blockbuster second-vs-third clash. They got over the line in the end but Hamza Igamane did his starting credentials no favours up front, while Robin Propper was a particular concern at the back.
It’s likely to be a rejigged back line then with Tavernier poised to return while Souttar could do the same, although Clement was less clear over whether he was fit to start. The boss said: “Tom Lawrence and John Souttar will be available – we will see if it is for 90 or not tomorrow. Matondo, Ridvan, Cortes and Danilo all working on returning with the physios. We have Ianis (Hagi) back tomorrow.”
That news on Lawrence and Hagi will prick up the ears and while Lawrence has blown hot and cold this season, he’s often a man Clement leans on for the big occasions. For Hagi’s part, he seems likely to be eased back in off the bench, having only made one top-team appearances as a sub this season.
Predicted Rangers XI
If Lawrence does start then it poses an interesting question in midfield. Nedim Bajrami or Vaclav Cerny would have to drop out to accommodate him with Clement likely to stick with the solidity of Mohamed Diomande playing ahead of Connor Barron and Nicolas Raskin – especially after the praise he lavished on Raskin after beating Saints.
“Nico Raskin is a player we missed for nine months,” he said. “It is important to have these players back fit – all the medical and performance staff did a great job on his return. He is showing he is a good player in his performances as he settles back into the team.”
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