Rangers are awaiting injury news on the likes of Malik Tillman ahead of the League Cup Final with Celtic as the battle fever begins to build.
The Gers’ season to date has been somewhat defined by a series of injury problems which has limited several key players to a few appearances and had others missing at important moments of the season.
Ahead of the trip to Hampden to face our Old Firm rivals, there is no Rangers player on finer form than Bayern loanee Tillman and any absence would be a major loss.
But a patchwork Rangers have shown resilience under Michael Beale so irregardless of what happens, any Tillman absence certainly isn’t the end of the road.
However, we’re backing the German-born USA international to make the cut with midfielder John Lundstram – another major injury doubt – also returning.
We expect the back five to have a familiar look heading into the Rangers Celtic League Cup Final with Allan McGregor the name likely to start between the sticks.
James Tavernier, Connor Goldson, Ben Davies and Borna Barisic then represent a solid back four that is becoming the club’s experienced and regular backline.
In midfield, we are backing John Lundstram to come back into the team and amid the suggestion Nicolas Raskin could start, we reckon Michael Beale will go for experienced campaigner Glen Kamara instead.
Then I would expect Rangers to start with Malik Tillman in front of those two holding midfielders, with Ryan Kent out left, Fashion Sakala out right, and Colombian firebrand Alfredo Morelos up top.
This is a very strong team and if Ranges show up with the right attitude and application then there’s every chance we can show the other mob that they won’t have things their own way this season.
Rangers predicted XI for League Cup Final v Celtic – 4-2-3-1
GK – Allan McGregor
DR – James Tavernier
DC – Connor Goldson
DC – Ben Davies
DL – Borna Barisic
CDM – John Lundstram
CDM – Glen Kamara
CAM – Malik Tillman
RF – Fashion Sakala
LF – Ryan Kent
ST – Alfredo Morelos
Meanwhile, Fashion Sakala has been detailing the legions of new Rangers fans set to tune into the game.