Rangers take on Aberdeen at Pittodrie with more than just the future of Philippe Clement at stake as an almost insurmountable nine-point gap awaits in defeat.
The manager knows that defeat could spell the end of his time at Ibrox with his squad oweing their boss a favour or two after dropped points in three away games already this season.
With injuries still a factor, this is who Clement has picked in his attempt to beat Aberdeen and secure all three points for Rangers.
Rangers team news confirmed vs Aberdeen
The defence has seen Robin Propper hooked in each of the last two games and it is no surprise to see the experienced Dutchman drop to the bench for such a big test of mentality.
John Souttar and Propper were outstanding against Malmo, however, the chemistry hasn’t been there in recent weeks with the former playing through a series of niggles and Leon Balogun proving that he is still the club’s best centre-half.
James Tavernier made a difference when he came off the bench against St Mirren, as did Neraysho Kasanwirjo when he moved to the middle of defence which left Clement with some big calls to make.
The shock call being Jefte making way for Kasanwirjo at left-back.
The midfield has improved with Nicolas Raskin returning to what looks like his best form alongside Connor Barron with Tom Lawrence coming back into the team to replace Mohamed Diomande.
Nedim Bajrami and Vaclav Cerny are nailed on starters until there are more options with Cyriel Dessers’ contribution against St Mirren showing that he has a point to prove, losing Cerny so late to injury is a huge blow for Rangers.
With no goals in six appearances, now would be a good time for Dessers to rediscover his scoring touch.
Ross McCausland comes back into the team with Cerny unavailable.
This is your Rangers starting XI for tonight’s clash with Aberdeen:
Rangers fans react as Clement throws Jefte surprise
Clement would love to have a week when he can pick his best XI, the reality is, in over a year in charge, he has yet to be afforded that luxury.
Not that Rangers fans have any sympathy for the big Belgian given he has left Jefte and Diomande on the bench.
Stevie Clifford from the Four Lads Had a Dream podcast clearly isn’t happy, simply posting “Sigh”:
These fans all feel that the decision to drop Jefte is a strange one and are far from happy with Clement, one fan asking “Why has he dropped Jefte,” with another asking, “How has he concluded Jefte is the one that needs dropped?”:
Defeat, and Rangers are all but out of the title race. Aberdeen might not be able to keep their current pace for 30 more games, however, Celtic will.
If Clement had to win every Old Firm derby between now and the end of the season and rely on Celtic dropping points in other games too, the chances of him making it to Christmas would get slimmer by the week.
With this line up, fans feel his is only making it harder for himself.
