Sport

Predicted Rangers XI vs Benfica and team news as two big calls made

Published

7 months ago

March 7, 2024

Rangers go into tonight’s Europa League clash with Benfica believing they can pull off a result.

That’s down to two things. One being Philippe Clement’s management and the mentality he’s instilled since taking over last October and the other being their record in this competition in recent years. The Light Blues lost to Motherwell on Saturday but that was just their second defeat under the Belgian’s management and they’ll be out to prove it was just another blip.

There are some injury concerns with Abdallah Sima and Oscar Cortes out long-term leaving them short in the wide areas and Ross McCausland then picked up a knock on Saturday, but he did train today. Taking all that into account, Football Scotland has had a stab at predicting the Gers XI.

Jack Butland

Could learn that he’s in the England squad tomorrow and what a boost that would be heading into this match.
James Tavernier

No doubt the captain will play and if someone is to step up with a big moment there is every chance it will be him.
Connor Goldson

Didn’t have his best game on Saturday but usually so reliable and can rise to the occasion here.
John Souttar

There may be a case to make a change at centre-back after a below par display but Clement’s next preferred option, Leon Balogun, isn’t registered for Europe thanks to Michael Beale.
Ridvan Yilmaz
Emerged as a key man in recent weeks and the manager has been talking him up, would be a huge surprise if he didn’t play.

Rangers go into tonight’s Europa League clash with Benfica believing they can pull off a result.

That’s down to two things. One being Philippe Clement’s management and the mentality he’s instilled since taking over last October and the other being their record in this competition in recent years. The Light Blues lost to Motherwell on Saturday but that was just their second defeat under the Belgian’s management and they’ll be out to prove it was just another blip.

There are some injury concerns with Abdallah Sima and Oscar Cortes out long-term leaving them short in the wide areas and Ross McCausland then picked up a knock on Saturday, but he did train today. Taking all that into account, Football Scotland has had a stab at predicting the Gers XI.

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1. John Lundstram
  
  Another who has been so influential. Could be key here in providing solidity in the middle of the park but also contributing to attacking play.
2. Nico Raskin
  
  Back in the side against Motherwell and can offer a ‘double pivot’ alongside John Lundstram with extra protection necessary.
3. Tom Lawrence
  Mohamed Diomande will also be in contention but Lawrence will be fresh after starting from the bench on Saturday. Can play a bit deeper than an out and out 10 and that may be needed.
  
  Rangers go into tonight’s Europa League clash with Benfica believing they can pull off a result.
  
  That’s down to two things. One being Philippe Clement’s management and the mentality he’s instilled since taking over last October and the other being their record in this competition in recent years. The Light Blues lost to Motherwell on Saturday but that was just their second defeat under the Belgian’s management and they’ll be out to prove it was just another blip.
  
  There are some injury concerns with Abdallah Sima and Oscar Cortes out long-term leaving them short in the wide areas and Ross McCausland then picked up a knock on Saturday, but he did train today. Taking all that into account, Football Scotland has had a stab at predicting the Gers XI.
  
  Dujon Sterling
  
  With injuries to wingers Abdallah Sima and Oscar Cortes, the utility man has been called upon to play there. Could work in their favour here anyway with a more solid base from which to operate
  
  Ross McCausland
  
  Trained today after an injury fear following the Motherwell game. Doesn’t mean he’s a cert to play but likely to get every chance to make it.
  
  10 of 11
  
  Cyriel Dessers
  
  Has led the line well even if he does pass up too many chances for supporters’ liking. Work rate, movement and physicality could come into play here.