Rangers fans have reacted on social media after the starting XI was confirmed for this afternoon’s second-round Europa League qualifier against Lincoln Red Imps.
The Gers are overwhelming favourites for the clash at the Victoria Stadium in Gibraltar.
Rangers are taking on Lincoln Red Imps in Gibraltar (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Steven Gerrard’s men reached the Last 16 of the Europa League proper last season, while Lincoln were knocked out at this stage by FC Ararat-Armenia.
RONALDO NEEDS TO STOP WHINING.
The semi-professional club did shock Celtic on their artificial surface in 2016, though, so they shouldn’t be underestimated.
Rangers’ respect for Lincoln is reflected in the visitor’s starting XI, with Gerrard retaining a number of players from the side that thrashed Dundee United 4-0 on Saturday.
Allan McGregor returns to the Rangers starting XI against Lincoln Red Imps. (Photo by Willie Vass/Pool via Getty Images)
Allan McGregor returns between the sticks in place of Jon McLaughlin, for his first appearance since early August.
There’s just one change to the back four, with George Edmundson replacing Filip Helander for the Englishman’s first outing of the season.
In midfield, Glen Kamara and Scott Arfield take up the two deeper-lying roles.
Summer signing Cedric Itten leads the line in his first European appearance for the club and he will be supported by an attacking trio of Kemar Roofe, Ianis Hagi and Greg Stewart, who, as predicted, comes in for his first start of the 2020/21 campaign.
There are places on the bench for the likes of Steven Davis, Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Kent and Jermain Defoe.
Here’s a selection of reactions from Twitter:
Expected Bassey to come in for Barisic. Strong team, should get the job done 👍🏼
— 👤 (@FacelessRanger) September 17, 2020
Greg Stewart lives
— Self-Isolating Ryan Jack (@RampantRyanJack) September 17, 2020
Pleased to see Stewart get a run out
Not a first pick, but we need to use the squad wisely over the season, particularly with the injuries mounting up
— Rossco 76 (@Rossco76) September 17, 2020
Greg Stewart pic.twitter.com/UIav2ePRzS
— Taylor💜⊃∪∩⪽ (@TxZ1872) September 17, 2020
Never would of guessed this team in a million years. Hope the confidence in the squad depth pays off. Seeing shouts of 4-4-2, come on man 🤣🤣
— Alex MacIver (@AlexMacIver) September 17, 2020
Fridge😍 pic.twitter.com/FikEZPktkf
— Craig Bovill (@1872_craig) September 17, 2020
Good run out for a few fringe players.
— Ianis “Hagi” Wyllie (@ian_wyllie) September 17, 2020
Wow didn’t expect that
— RUDDY (@davidruddy1986) September 17, 2020
Stewart scenes
— Blair 🇬🇧 (@Blair_1872) September 17, 2020
Very attacking line up.
Good to see the hard working/underrated Stewart get a game alongside the new boys with Davis and Kent getting a rest. Edmundson deserves a turn as does Arfield who was MOM for 20 min on Sunday. Surprised Bassey isn’t starting, ideal opportunity surely?— HARRIS PROPERTY (@AlanHarrisSpain) September 17, 2020
3 strikers👀
— Sean🇬🇧🏴1872🏴🇬🇧 (@Seanbro81306050) September 17, 2020
That bench though. pic.twitter.com/9tONRcw8ma
— Hardie (@JHardie7) September 17, 2020
Would’ve rested Goldson.
Don’t think it’s in our best interests for him to play a 50+ game season again
— RodGER (@RFCRodger) September 17, 2020