Steven Gerrard is set to make a host of changes to his starting XI on Sunday when Rangers take on Falkirk in the Last 16 of the League Cup.
The Gers received a bye for the group stages, so this is their first match in this year’s competition, while their opponents reached this stage by finishing as runners-up to Dunfermline in Group E.
As the first silverware available to Rangers this season, the League Cup is extremely important for the club and given Falkirk’s strong start to 2020/21, the Bairns shouldn’t be taken lightly.
However, with the fixture falling in between two Europa League group stage matches, it presents a perfect opportunity to give minutes to fringe players.
Jon McLaughlin is likely to come in for Allan McGregor in goal, while there will also be changes to the back four.
Gerrard had planned to involve Nathan Patterson, but with the teenager self-isolating, James Tavernier is set to continue at right-back.
Calvin Bassey is likely to replace Borna Barisic on the opposite side, though, while Filip Helander may come in for Leon Balogun to partner Connor Goldson at centre-back.
Ryan Jack and Joe Aribo remain unavailable but there could still be a change in midfield as Jamie Barjonas is in contention for his first appearance in three years, with Steven Davis likely to be rested.
Scott Arfield and Glen Kamara could both start alongside Barjonas but Bongani Zungu will feature at some point after returning to training on Friday following a knee injury [RangersTV].
At the top end of the pitch, Alfredo Morelos, Kemar Roofe and Ryan Kent are all likely to be rested following consecutive starts against Aberdeen and Benfica, with Jermain Defoe, Cedric Itten and Ianis Hagi the favourites to replace them in the side.
Rangers Predicted XI vs Falkirk (A) – 29/11/2020
Jon McLaughlin
James Tavernier
Connor Goldson
Filip Helander
Calvin Bassey
Scott Arfield
Jamie Barjonas
Glen Kamara
Cedric Itten
Ianis Hagi
Jermain Defoe
