Rangers fans have responded after the Gers’ starting XI was confirmed for their first pre-season fixture against Partick Thistle.
The two Glasgow clubs are facing off in a 7pm kick-off at Firhill and Steven Gerrard has given opportunities to fringe and youth players.
A few senior stars such as Borna Barisic and Glen Kamara haven’t yet reported back following international duty at Euro 2020 while new signing Fashion Sakala’s arrival in the UK has been held up by passport and Covid issues.
The majority of the first team have been back training for a week, but the big names like James Tavernier, Connor Goldson, Steven Davis, Joe Aribo and Kemar Roofe have only been named on the bench.
The team was announced in numerical order rather than in formation, but we’ve done our best to work out the setup.
Robby McCrorie has been picked in goal, while George Edmundson and Jack Simpson are likely to be the two centre-backs, with Leon King and James Maxwell at right and left-back respectively.
Lewis Mayo played in midfield occasionally whilst on loan at Dunfermline last season and he looks to be in a two with Ben Williamson.
Scott Wright appears to have been given a no.10 role, with Jordan Jones and Glenn Middleton on either side, while the experienced Jermain Defoe leads the line.
Will this side be strong enough to secure a win over Championship promotion hopefuls Thistle?
Here’s a selection of reactions from Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Championees55/status/1412093247183282177
The youth team getting a run out 👀 Put it in the formation style next time though pic.twitter.com/dgqbxWkiXB
— Andrew Wilson (@Andrew_GWilson) July 5, 2021
i like
— sam (@smcg72_) July 5, 2021
Middleton!! pic.twitter.com/YpSfz5zTdL
— CJ (@cjnovo992) July 5, 2021
Actually excited to see Middleton and Wright running down the wing
— KyleRC (@kyleRC_) July 5, 2021
This is different. I like it
— J55 (@woofly32) July 5, 2021
1000 Thistle fans will be at Firhill to take in the action but with no away supporters permitted Bears will be following on RangersTV and a strong lineup has been named for the coverage.