Goldson To Return | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Real Betis | OneFootball

Rangers, a galvanized force under Philippe Clement, are back in the Premiership race. They are also gearing up for the League Cup final but, at the same time, must focus on Thursday night’s Europa League contest against Real Betis at Benito Villamarín. A victory would see them finish as group winners, however, dropping points on the road might even result in demotion to the Conference League should Sparta Praha defeat Aris in the other Group C encounter.

The Ibrox tie ended 1-0 in favour of the Glasgow giants. Abdallah Sima scored the winning goal midway through the second half and the high-flying Senegalese must inspire the Gers to clinch another thrilling win amid injuries to an array of first-team stars.

Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Real Betis

Defence

Jack Butland has been exquisite between the sticks overcoming the nightmare of Michael Beale’s tenure. His expertise in the last line of defence would decide Rangers’ Europa League future given the hosts’ lethal attacking third comprising Willian José, Isco and Ayoze Perez.

Skipper James Tavernier must cause menace from the right with his trademark runs, shooting and set-piece attributes. Connor Goldson is expected to return to the heart of the backline after serving a one-game suspension against Aris, and the Englishman should partner with John Souttar who is ahead of Ben Davies in the pecking order. Left fullback Borna Barisic needs to maintain his composure between defence and attack. Leon Balogun and Ridvan Yilmaz remain ineligible as they are not part of the Light Blues’ Europa League squad.

Rangers’ Senegalese striker #19 Abdallah Sima shoots and scores his team first goal during the UEFA Europa League group C football match between Glasgow Rangers and Real Betis at Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow, Scotland, on September 21, 2023. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP) (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Midfield

Rangers have a significant crisis in the centre of the pitch with Ryan Jack, Nicolas Raskin and Tom Lawrence ruled out due to their respective injury concerns. Jose Cifuentes and John Lundstram are the only available options to pair up as the ‘double pivot’ deep down the midfield.

Nevertheless, Clement might undergo a selection dilemma while choosing his wide forwards and the attacking playmaker. Sima is irreplaceable down the left with 13 goals in 27 games across competitions, but he must decide whether to deploy Rabbi Matondo on the other flank over Ross McCausland, Scott Wright and Sam Lammers. The Welshman was enjoying a productive run before sustaining an injury and his flair and finesse must be utilized to keep Los Verdiblancos on their toes in the defensive third. Todd Cantwell is likely to exhibit his creative spark as a ‘number 10’.

A knee injury hassidelined Danilo for months. It is high time for Cyriel Dessers to step up his game and spearhead the Gers’ attack. Kemar Roofe is only effective as a ‘super sub’ considering his fitness concerns over the years.