The heat is very much still on Philippe Clement as Rangers look to narrow the gap on the top two in the Premiership with three points against Dundee United at Ibrox this afternoon.
The Gers remain nine points adrift of league leaders Celtic and Aberdeen, and the Belgian knows time is of the essence if his team are to get back into the reckoning to claim a top two finish. His opposite number this afternoon Jim Goodwin has vowed to pile more pressure on the under-fire boss by causing an upset in Govan and turn the home crowd against the Rangers manager.
Those comments have provoked a fiery response from Clement, who has promised to take the game to the Tangerines – who could leapfrog Rangers into third with a win – from the first whistle. To that end, the ex Gent boss could make alterations to his starting XI that can give them the impetus to go on the offensive from the get go.
But with a huge Europa League meeting with Ligue 1 side Nice coming on Thursday, the Light Blues gaffer will also be mindful of perhaps giving a rest to those who will definitely be needed in France in five days time. Clement’s options are also somewhat restricted, with versatile defender Nerasyho Kasanwirjo facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines while Rabbi Matondo, Oscar Cortes and Tom Lawrence remain out of action. The Gers have however been boosted with the return to fitness of Ridvan Yilmaz while Ianis Hagi impressed while on duty with Romania during the international break.
John Souttar is in fine form for club and country and will most certainly line up at centre back, where he is likely to once again be partnered by Leon Balogun, with summer signing Robin Propper unable to hold down a regular starting berth. Left back Yilmaz’s return does give Clement food for thought but the Turkey international will have a job on his hands to displace Jefte. Skipper James Tavernier has came in for heavy criticism for his displays in recent weeks and could once again miss out to Dujon Sterling at right back with the trip to Nice on Thursday in mind.
Predicted Rangers XI
How Rangers opt to line-up in midfield is the biggest dilemma facing the Belgian. Connor Barron is sure to start at the base of the midfield, with Clement’s countryman Nicolas Raskin the most likely contender to play alongside him. Vaclav Cerny has solidified his place in the right-wing slot, with Mohamed Diomande, Nedim Bajrami and the aforementioned Hagi fighting it out for the two remaining spots behind the lone frontman.
Brazilian forward Danilo has bolstered the Ibrox club’s options up top following his recent return from injury but the necessity of three points should see top scorer Cyriel Dessers get the nod with Hamza Igamane still waiting in the wings for a rare starting berth.
Provisional Rangers squad
Goalkeepers
- Jack Butland
- Liam Kelly
- Lewis Budinauckas
Defenders
- James Tavernier
- Rıdvan Yılmaz
- Robin Pröpper
- John Souttar
- Dujon Sterling
- Jefté
- Leon Balogun
Midfielders
- Connor Barron
- Mohamed Diomande
- Nedim Bajrami
- Kieran Dowell
- Nicolas Raskin
- Ianis Hagi
Forwards
- Cyriel Dessers
- Thomas Lawrence
- Vaclav Cerny
- Hamza Igamane