Sport

Rangers predicted XI vs Aberdeen: Philippe Clement makes 4 changes

Published

8 months ago

February 6, 2024

Rangers could gain a psychological edge over Celtic in the Scottish Premiership title race come the end of Tuesday night.

Philippe Clement’s side, after comfortably taking care of Livingston at the weekend, now sit three points behind the Hoops following their slip up away to Aberdeen.

The Pittodrie charges are the opponents at Ibrox this evening and because Gers boast the best goal difference in the top-flight, all three points will nudge Celtic off the top position before their game at Hibs tomorrow.

Clement made six changes to the team for the triumph over a struggling Livi on Saturday as he does his best to share the minutes across the first-team squad.

We believe the Belgian will settle upon four alterations for the Aberdeen test, who have recently appointed 75-year-old Neil Warnock as their manager until the end of the season.

Clement confirmed at his press conference on Monday that Ryan Jack and Leon Balogun will not be available to play – so who comes in for the pair and who will be rotated?

Fabio Silva or Cyriel Dessers?

That’s the question on everyone’s lips at the moment. Striker Cyriel Dessers had three goals in his last three Rangers games [Soccerbase] before being swapped out for Fabio Silva against Livingston.

The £35m youngster on loan from Wolves took his chance with an excellent display that was capped off by a first goal in a Light Blue jersey.

Aberdeen are physical team and with Neil Warnock in the door, you know he’ll set his stall out to frustrate Rangers tonight to eke out a result.

Dessers, as a result, may just be the right fit over Silva who could be more suited coming off the bench if the game is still tight in the second-half.

Meanwhile, with Jack and Balogun out of the picture, Philippe Clement should opt for Nicolas Raskin and John Souttar as their replacements.

The only other change will be Ridvan Yilmaz for Borna Barisic. The latter earned a surprise start against Livingston but we don’t believe his performance was enough to merit a similar opportunity tonight. It’s likely the Croatian will play more of a part against Ayr United in the Scottish Cup at the weekend.