Clement To Make Changes? | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Queen’s Park | OneFootball

Despite a 4-0 win against Ross County in the Premiership, Rangers have little hope left in their quest for the coveted crown, being 13 points behind the league leaders Celtic. But they must focus on conquering the Scottish Cup, thus stopping their bitter rivals from completing a ‘domestic treble’. Yet the Sunday afternoon fixture against Queen’s Park should be a stroll in the park for Philippe Clement’s men.

The Spiders, currently competing in the second tier of the Scottish football pyramid, are the oldest club in the country. But their amateur status ended in 2019, 152 years since their inception. They are now regulars in the Championship and heading towards a midtable finish. Queen’s Park have shown signs of improvement under Callum Davidson since his appointment just over a year ago. However, it remains a colossal task for his men to script an upset at Ibrox.

Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Queen’s Park

Defence

Clement has Liam Kelly as the understudy to Jack Butland, but he only relied on the Scotsman during Butland’s injury absence. He is expected to rely on the former Three Lions international who has revived his career since plying his trade north of the border.

The Gers do not have any European encounter next midweek, and the gaffer, therefore, must not change too much for the Scottish Cup tie. Skipper James Tavernier has rediscovered his magic, and the return of John Souttar has restored depth, quality and experience in the heart of the backline. But the Belgian boss should manage his minutes carefully and opt for Robin Propper to partner with Clinton Nsiala. The latter has been a revelation during the injury absence of first-team stars, and his emergence in deep defence has reduced the stress and angst.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – FEBRUARY 02: Cyriel Dessers of Rangers shoots at goal during the William Hill Premiership match between Rangers FC and Ross County FC at Ibrox Stadium on February 02, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Jefte might keep his place on the left amid the persistent fitness woes of Rıdvan Yılmaz. Rafael Fernandes, on loan from Lille, could also be involved from the bench after making his debut against the Staggies. Leon Balogun, Neraysho Kasanwirjo and Dujon Sterling remain sidelined with their respective injury concerns.

Midfield

Rangers have parted ways with outcast Kieran Dowell. Moreover, an injury to Connor Barron leaves them with Nicolas Raskin and Mohamed Diomande as the only available senior central midfield options. Raskin could be rested in favour of the 18-year-old Bailey Rice, but they would need Diomande for his ball-carrying ability, box-to-box movements and down-the-middle run. Tom Lawrence, back from injury, should now be deployed as a ‘number 10’. Nedim Bajrami has lost momentum after a bright start. But the Albanian might be a good fit down the left, which has been his preferred role. Ross McCausland must get the nod over Vaclav Cerny, who, along with Ianis Hagi, might get some time off.

Attack

Cyriel Dessers is back among goals, and the manager could hand him a start ahead of Hamza Igamane high up the pitch.