Rangers are back in Scottish Premiership action this afternoon when they face Dundee United at Tannadice and Steven Gerrard has a number of selection dilemmas on his hands.
With the second leg of their Champions League tie with Malmo on Tuesday night, Gerrard is certain to shuffle his Rangers side a bit as he keeps one eye on midweek and how his side will line up then.
Suspensions, injuries and squad registration quirks means Gerrard’s side this afternoon in the City of Discovery is going to be very different to the one taking the field at Ibrox on Tuesday night against the Swedes.
Gerrard confirmed yesterday that Ianis Hagi is out following the injury he picked up last week while Ryan Jack’s recovery from a long-term injury has been delayed.
Kemar Roofe, Alfredo Morelos, Leon Balogun, Joe Aribo and Glen Kamara all should be available this afternoon though after missing out on Tuesday.
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UEFA squad rules have meant Jon McLaughlin has been left of the Champions League squad, and the Scotland squad keeper is likely to start ahead of Allan McGregor again today.
Ahead of him, Gerrard is likely to go with a very strong back four and line-up with James Tavernier, Connor Goldson, Fil Helander and Borna Barisic ahead of him as the Gers look to make it two clean sheets from two in the league.
Midfield is one area of the park where Gerrard suddenly has far more options available and, having already played in both games so far, Steven Davis could be left on the bench with an eye on Tuesday with John Lundstram, Joe Aribo and Glen Kamara given the nod to make up the Rangers engine room.
The potential return of Morelos has had fans excited and, after he trained over the last few days, the Colombian will likely be among the subs as Gerrard tries to get him up to speed.
However, his lack of action will leave the Rangers boss looking elsewhere for his starting front three and he’ll have plenty of choices with Ryan Kent, Scott Wright and Kemar Roofe the likely picks this afternoon.
That’ll mean a seat on the bench for Fashion Sakala and/or Cedric Itten alongside El Bufalo at Tannadice.
Rangers Predicted XI: McLaughlin; Tavernier, Goldson, Helander, Barisic; Kamara, Lundstram, Aribo, Wright, Kent, Roofe.
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