Martin To Make A Change? | Predicted 4-3-3 Rangers Lineup To Face Panathinaikos | OneFootball

Despite a commanding win at Ibrox, the job is not done yet for Rangers as they must secure a favourable outcome in Greece while clashing heads with Panathinaikos in the return leg of their UEFA Champions League qualifier. Russell Martin delivered with a makeshift attacking third last gameweek, and he might have to do it again, as both Thelo Aasgaard and Hamza Igamane missed out on the final major practice session before Wednesday night’s encounter.

Predicted 4-3-3 Rangers Lineup To Face Panathinaikos

Defence

Despite questions over his ‘number 1’ status over the past few months, Jack Butland showed his expertise between the sticks in the first leg fixture. He made some crucial saves en route to clinching a clean sheet, and the gaffer must demand another resolute performance from his custodian this midweek.

The Gers should bolster the backline, particularly after Robin Propper’s departure. Yet they have ample options in the defensive third, with Nasser Djiga and John Souttar expected to continue as the central defensive pairing. James Tavernier remains the preferred choice down the right, as the manager must stick with Max Aarons on the left ahead of Jefte. The latter would be there among the substitutes, and so should Manny Fernandez, who is waiting for his official debut.

Midfield

Rangers have found some stability in the middle of the park following Joe Rothwell’s arrival on a Bosman. The veteran Englishman would be key to their resurgence under Martin, given his ability to orchestrate the show as a deep-lying playmaker.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JULY 22: Djeidi Gassama of Rangers scores his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League Second Qualifying Round First Leg match between Rangers and Panathinaikos at Ibrox Stadium on July 22, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Nicolas Raskin and Mohamed Diomande set it up for Curtis and Gassama, respectively, in the home tie, and the Light Blues boss plans to keep hold of the midfield duo, even though they have their suitors south of the border after an impressive 2024-25 season. Martin has ample depth in the centre of the pitch, as he could bring in the likes of Lyall Cameron, Connor Barron, Nedim Bajrami and Bailey Rice as second-half substitutes.

Attack

Injuries to Aasgaard and Igamane decimate the Gers high up the pitch. But Danilo seems to have earned the manager’s trust, shaking off his injury misfortune. He should feature as a ‘number 9’, thanks to a productive pre-season, ahead of Cyriel Dessers; however, Martin could hand a nod to Gassama over Curtis in his starting XI.

While the former Sheffield Wednesday ace is tipped to occupy the left-wing role, Kieran Dowell might continue as a makeshift right-winger until they snap up the rumoured targets like Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, Oliver Antman and Mikey Moore. Oscar, now roped in permanently, must wait for his opportunities after an injury-ravaged loan spell since February 2024.