Souttar To Start? | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Aris | OneFootball

A late goal from skipper James Tavenier saw Rangers avoid a defeat against Aberdeen on Sunday afternoon. While they are still behind Celtic in the Premiership race, a win against Aris Limassol on Thursday night could seal a berth in the next round of the Europa League. They suffered a 2-1 defeat in the reverse tie, but the galvanized Gers are firm favourites to clinch all three points at Ibrox.

On the other hand, Aris are bottom of Group C with two games remaining. It’s a must-win fixture for the Cypriot side to stay in Europe and the gaffer Aleksey Shpilevsky should demand a reaction from his men following a 4-1 defeat against Real Betis in the previous gameweek.

Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Aris

Defence

Jack Butland made some crucial saves against the Dons to keep his side in the fight right until the final whistle and the in-form Englishman must show his resilience once again from the last line of defence.

Tavernier is irreplaceable on the right for his leadership traits, relentless overlaps, crosses, scoring and attacking excellence. However, Philippe Clement must choose his centre-backs wisely if he prefers to play a highline this midweek. Connor Goldson looked uncomfortable at Pittodrie, but his presence in deep defence can’t be compromised in such a crucial contest. John Souttar, back from his injury, should reclaim his first-team status, and the experience of Borna Barisic could make a difference considering his ability to switch the game between defence and attack.

Rangers’ English goalkeeper #01 Jack Butland argues with Aris Limassol’s Senegalese forward #14 Yannick Gomis during the UEFA Europa League Group C football match between Cyprus’ Aris Limassol and Scotland’s Rangers at the Alphamega Stadium on October 5, 2023. (Photo by Jewel SAMAD / AFP) (Photo by JEWEL SAMAD/AFP via Getty Images)

Midfield

Injuries to Ryan Jack and Nicolas Raskin have left the Belgian boss with John Lundstram and Jose Cifuentes as the only available central midfield options. They are likely to form a ‘double pivot’ similar to the weekend’s encounter.

The return of Tom Lawrence has been a welcome boost for the Light Blues who now have a prolific ‘number 10’ in their ranks. The Welshman is also comfortable from the flanks, but his fellow countryman Rabbi Matondo should return to the starting XI after an impressive cameo against Aberdeen despite months of injury absence. He is expected to replace Abdallah Sima down the left with the latter likely to get involved as a ‘super sub’ given his flair and finesse depicted so far in Rangers colours. Todd Cantwell might get the nod over Sam Lammers, Scott Wright and Ross McCausland for his profile as well as prowess.

Attack

Clement must deploy Danilo as the ‘number 9’ even though Kemar Roofe and Cyriel Dessers are there to challenge and cover the Brazilian high up the pitch.