Despite a dismal run in the Premiership, ten-man Rangers showed their grit and determination in Europe by holding mighty Athletic Bilbao to a stalemate on Thursday night. The return leg tie next week at San Mames will determine their Europa League future, but they must overcome the Aberdeen test at Pittodrie in their upcoming domestic encounter.
The Dons have lately revived their form and are now battling for a third-place finish with Hibernian. While the Gers clinched a commanding 3-0 win at Ibrox earlier this year, Jimmy Thelin’s men grabbed a 2-1 victory when they hosted the Light Blues in October. The league race is all but done with Celtic closing in on another Premiership crown, and the gaffer, Barry Ferguson, should rotate his first-team stars to keep them fit and fresh for their trip to Bilbao.
Predicted 3-4-2-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Aberdeen
Defence
The interim Rangers boss made a brave call by replacing Jack Butland with Liam Kelly. The Scotsman denied Alex Berenguer from the spot and secured a clean sheet regardless of the Basque side’s numerical supremacy. Whether Ferguson promotes him as the Gers’ number 1′ for the rest of the campaign remains to be seen.
Dujon Sterling has sustained a long-term injury, having been forced to leave the pitch minutes before the final whistle. 37-year-old Leon Balogun must not be deployed on Sunday afternoon after a gruelling game against the La Liga hotshots. Robin Propper’s marching order early into the outing changed the situation completely, yet the manager might deploy the Dutchman with Neraysho Kasanwirjo sidelined due to a knee injury. John Souttar was suspended for the Bilbao clash but should reclaim his starting status alongside Propper. Clinton Nsiala is expected to get the nod over outcast Rafael Fernandes in the heart of the backline.
Midfield
Skipper James Tavernier has shown his sparks as a right wing-back, as his marauding runs, crosses, and set-pieces could be decisive in this edgy contest. Ridvan Yilmaz might keep his place down the left ahead of Jefte, but their 18-year-old academy prospect Bailey Rice must be gutted despite starting the Bilbao tie. He was stretchered off midway through the second half, and the substitute Connor Barron might return to the starting XI against his boyhood club. Nicolas Raskin must maintain his majestic form and exhibit all-round traits in the middle of the park.
Although the right-midfield role belongs to Vaclav Cerny, Ferguson should rest him in favour of Ross McCausland. Mohamed Diomande missed the midweek match due to suspension, and the Ivorian must replace Ianis Hagi on the left with the likes of Tom Lawrence, Nedim Bajrami, and Danilo could get involved as second-half substitutes.
Attack
Cyriel Dessers has made little impact since his last-gasp winner against Dundee. The Nigerian hitman could be replaced by Hamza Igamane, who would offer a different kind of threat with his movements, flair and finesse.
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