McCausland To Start? | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face St Mirren | OneFootball

Rangers have jeopardized their Europa League future following a 1-1 draw against Aris at Ibrox. The final group stage encounter with Real Betis would be a decider, but the focus must now shift to the upcoming Premiership contest against St Mirren on Sunday afternoon.

The Saints have made a flying start to their campaign as they sit third in the league standings. Rangers should have an edge in their own backyard, but the gaffer Philippe Clement needs to fix a few shortcomings to get back to winning ways after back-to-back draws. The League Cup final against Aberdeen is scheduled in two weeks’ time and the struggling Gers must regain rhythm before the tie.

Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face St Mirren

Defence

It’s high time for Robby McCrorie to make a call on his Ibrox future. The young Scotsman remains the understudy to Jack Butland across competitions and the former England international is expected to keep his place between the sticks against Stephen Robinson’s side.

Skipper James Tavernier should drive the show from the right with his tireless runs, crosses and set-piece expertise. Connor Goldson missed the Aris clash due to suspension but is likely to reclaim his starting status in the heart of the backline. John Souttar might get the nod over Ben Davies to partner with the Englishman. Despite impressing on Thursday night, left fullback Borna Barisic should be rested in favour of Ridvan Yilmaz.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 09: Philippe Clement, Manager of Rangers, embraces James Tavernier of Rangers after the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 match between Rangers FC and AC Sparta Praha at Ibrox Stadium on November 09, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Midfield

Injuries to Nicolas Raskin and Ryan Jack have left Rangers with little depth deep down the midfield. Kieran Dowell has not been involved of late due to fitness reasons and the Belgian boss has no choice but to rely on Jose Cifuentes and John Lundstram as the ‘double pivot’ if he chooses to stick to the 4-2-3-1 formation. Academy prospect Cole McKinnon could be involved unless the injured stars recover before the weekend’s fixture.

Todd Cantwell was surprisingly taken off for Ross McCausland just over the half-hour mark soon after Shavy Babicka’s goal for the Cypriot outfit. The high-flying Northern Irishman found the equalizer minutes into the second-half, and therefore, deserves a run of games down the right-hand flank. Welshman Rabbi Matondo should be reintegrated on the left, also, his compatriot Tom Lawrence must return to the starting XI in place of Sam Lammers.

Attack

Danilo, who set it up for McCausland in Europe, is expected to spearhead the attack once again ahead of Kemar Roofe and Cyriel Dessers.