Tavernier To Start As A Centre-back? | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Motherwell | OneFootball

Despite conceding twice early into the game, Rangers, under Barry Ferguson, scripted a spirited comeback against Kilmarnock and grabbed a 4-2 victory on Wednesday night at Rugby Park. The win over their bogey side must boost the Gers ahead of hosting Motherwell on Saturday afternoon. They suffered back-to-back home defeats against Queen’s Park and St Mirren, but the ‘new manager bounce’ could see them build momentum before clashing heads with Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in the Europa League Round of 16.

These two sides have already locked horns thrice this season in all competitions. While the Light Blues clinched two 2-1 wins, their most recent meeting finished all square during the festive period. A second-half brace from Hamza Igamane salvaged a point at Fir Park with Rangers conceding twice before the break.

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

Defence

Jack Butland is expected to keep his place between the sticks but would hope for more resolve and resilience from the backline.

Ferguson made a brave call against Killie as he took Clinton Nsiala off around the half-hour mark. Skipper James Tavernier was shifted to the heart of the backline and Ridvan Yilmaz, predominantly a left fullback, was brought in to feature on the right. Tavernier, known for his overlapping runs and scoring traits, looked composed as a centre-half, and the veteran Englishman could once again partner with Robin Propper amid injuries to Neraysho Kasanwirjo, Leon Balogun, John Souttar and Dujon Sterling. Jefte must operate from the left as the Brazilian has exhibited a balanced approach between attack and defence.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 03: Nedim Bajrami of Rangers FC scores his team’s second goal during the Premier Sports Cup Semi-Final match between Motherwell and Rangers at Hampden Park on November 03, 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Midfield

Ferguson relied on a 4-2-3-1 set-up deployed by former boss Philippe Clement. Connor Barron’s injury absence leaves the Light Blues with Nicolas Raskin and Mohamed Diomande as the only available senior central midfield options. Diomande, who set it up for Vaclav Cerny and Nedim Bajrami from the centre of the pitch, must showcase his box-to-box movements and down-the-middle runs which once again. Raskin would dictate the tempo from the deep by marshalling the ‘back four’ and staging attacking transitions.

Cerny continues to impress from the right with his scintillating scoring form, however, Ianis Hagi must inject more finesse and firepower upfront. Hamza Igamane failed to impress as a ‘number 10’ but could still retain his starting status ahead of Tom Lawrence, Danilo or Nedim Bajrami. The Moroccan might switch to a more advanced slot allowing a tactical tweak in and around the attacking third.

Attack

Although inconsistent high up the pitch, Cyriel Dessers’ brace helped them turn things around against Derek McInnes’ men. The Nigerian ‘number 9’ should spearhead the attack during this Ibrox encounter.