Barron Should Start | Predicted 4-3-3 Rangers Lineup To Face Alloa Athletic | OneFootball

It has been a mixed start for Rangers under Russell Martin, who, despite guiding them to the Champions League playoffs, has yet to win a league game ahead of commencing their League Cup run on Saturday evening against Alloa Athletic. Although they remain firm favourites to clinch a home win against the League One outfit, the gaffer must be cautious with his changes, particularly after the Gers’ dreadful Scottish Cup defeat against the minnows Queen’s Park back in February.

Nevertheless, the Light Blues have a larger stake on Tuesday night, as they are set to host Club Brugee in the first leg of their Champions League playoff. Making it among the European elites would boost their finances, thus allowing Martin to lure bigger names late in the window. But they must get back to winning ways at Ibrox to build the momentum before clashing heads with the Belgian heavyweights.

Predicted 4-3-3 Rangers Lineup To Face Alloa Athletic

Defence

Although the Glasgow giants sustained a 2-1 defeat on the road against Viktoria Plzen, Jack Butland’s heroics between the sticks helped them proceed to the play-off on aggregate. The in-form Englishman might make way for Liam Kelly, but should return for their midweek encounter.

PLZEN, CZECH REPUBLIC – AUGUST 12: Danilo Pereira, Mohamed Diomande and Oscar Cortes of Rangers FC react after the UEFA Champions League Third Qualifying Round Second Leg match between Viktoria Plzen and Rangers at Doosan Arena on August 12, 2025 in Plzen, Czech Republic. (Photo by Gabriel Kuchta/Getty Images)

Nasser Djiga received a marching order against Dundee in their previous league game. But he would be available this weekend, as SPFL rules state that the ban must be served in the competition in which the red card was shown. John Souttar could be rested in favour of Manny Fernandez, who is waiting for his official Rangers debut. Max Aarons missed their trip to Plzen amid injury concerns. His potential absence would see skipper James Tavernier feature from the right and Jefte from the other flank, with Ridvan Yilmaz expected to part ways soon.

Midfield

Rangers are well-equipped in the centre of the pitch, and Martin has rotated his options in the early outings. However, Connor Barron has slipped down the pecking order following Joe Rothwell and Lyall Cameron’s arrival, and the young Scotsman should get the nod as the deep-lying playmaker. Kieran Dowell could feature as a ‘number 8’, along with Cameron, as the latter has impressed so far with his box-to-box movements and attacking expertise. Mohamed Diomande and Nicolas Raskin might be involved as substitutes if things go south.

With Thelo Aasgaard and Hamza Igamane still nursing their respective injuries, Cyriel Dessers has now joined the treatment table after being forced to leave the pitch against Viktoria Plzen early in the second half. Danilo could grab a start high up the pitch ahead of the veteran Nigerian. Mikey Moore, waiting for his Rangers debut since joining on a season-long loan from Spurs, as well as Oscar Cortes, deserve minutes down the flanks. Findlay Curis and Nedim Bajrami should be deployed as substitutes, with the first-team duo Djeidi Gassama and Oliver Antman might be rested after back-to-back appearances.