Rangers head to Dortmund for a tantalising Europa League clash that is sure to give the Ibrox squad a taste of the Champions League big time.
Clashes with the likes of the German superpower will be a regular feature in Europe’s elite competition and after a disappointing Euro campaign for Dortmund, they’ve dropped into the Europa League.
But the Champions League’s loss is Rangers’ gain with the match against Borussia Dortmund undoubtedly the club’s biggest in a decade.
Rangers have had some huge matches in recent seasons – the club’s European fortunes transformed by Steven Gerrard – but the likes of Porto, Leverkusen and Villarreal are dwarfed by Dortmund.
This is one of Europe’s elite clubs and Rangers aren’t completely out of the running when it comes to a potential upset.
Dortmund might’ve regained composure in the 3-0 victory over Union Berlin to maintain their Bundesliga ambitions with an aim to lift the Europa League trophy to boot.
But defeats against Bayer Leverkusen and lower league St Pauli will offer Rangers hope against a side who have defended chronically all season long.
Focus will be the challenge of the day for Rangers with Dortmund set to field a team of talented internationals even without Erling Braut Haaland.
Marco Reus, Axel Witsel, Thorgan Hazard, Jude Bellingham, Mats Hummels, Raphael Guerreiro and van Bronckhorst namesake Gio Reyna are all huge names on the international stage.
Rangers predicted XI for clash with Borussia Dortmund in Germany
There won’t be a Rangers player in the Europa League squad who doesn’t want to be involved with this game and this is a special opportunity to play against such an elite level side.
Injury to Leon Balogun and the absence of Filip Helander from the squad directly impacts the back five and it’s hard to see past Allan McGregor in goal, Connor Goldson and Calvin Bassey in front of him, with out-of-sorts Borna Barisic at left-back and captain James Tavernier on the right.
Midfield is likely to be one of the most contested areas and this is a vital part of the pitch for Rangers in this game, with two players in Glen Kamara and Joe Aribo certainly likely to start.
The other position is an interesting one and we suspect Ryan Jack might just squeeze into the XI after being passed fit to play.
Up top, pace and invention are the order of the day with Ryan Kent and Man United wonderkid Amad Diallo tipped to start on the wings, and none other than Alfredo Morelos leading the line.
Dortmund v Rangers – Rangers predicted XI – 4-2-3-1/4-3-3
GK – Allan McGregor
DR – James Tavernier
DC – Connor Goldson
DC – Calvin Bassey
DL – Borna Barisic
CDM – Glen Kamara
CDM – Ryan Jack
CAM – Joe Aribo
RW – Amad Diallo
LW – Ryan Kent
ST – Alfredo Morelos
