Rangers return to Europa League action to face a Malmo team looking to continue their hex over their visitors.
Philippe Clement has lost Oscar Cortes from his squad due to an unlucky training ground injury with the other concern being Jefte’s suspension exacerbating Ridvan Yilmaz still not at full fitness.
This leaves the manager with a couple of decisions to make at left-back and in the three behind the striker as Rangers look for revenge against Malmo.
Malmo vs Rangers confirmed team news
The Gers boss looks to be trying to build momentum in defence and will rue Jefte’s unjust red card, that it was a second yellow instead of a straight red makes it even more annoying with no course of appeal.
Jack Butland’s form has made a timely return and there are early signs of a solid partnership developing in the middle between John Souttar and Robin Propper.
Souttar in particular is looking more settled on his favoured right-hand side.
After a shaky Old Firm derby, Propper has established himself as Souttar’s first choice partner too.
This is the type of game that he was signed for.
Despite only making his debut against Dundee off the bench for the dying minutes, Neraysho Kasanwirjo has been given the nod ahead of both Dujon Sterling and Robbie Fraser in what is a huge opportunity for the Dutch Under-21 international.
He has played there before and his running power and pace could be very useful at the back and in attack.
Midfield, based on Clement trying to build momentum, has been predictable for a while now.
Connor Barron is improving and becoming more rounded every week whilst Mohamed Diomande looked sharper after coming off the bench against Dundee.
Clement names Rangers attack to breakdown Malmo
In the number 10 role, Tom Lawrence is justifying his inclusion with solid performances and has been involved in a lot of Rangers good play recently.
Clement has also tweaked things so that Lawrence is playing slightly deeper.
Despite the £3.4m fee, for now, Nedim Bajrami will have to make do with playing on the left.
As his Ibrox display proved with two goal involvements, he can still play a key role in getting the ball into dangerous areas.
Valcav Cerny was unlucky not to get at least an assist against Dundee and has been causing full-backs problems on a regular basis.
With seven goals and three assists in nine appearances this season, Cyriel Dessers is starting to silence the critics on a more consistent basis too.
The decisive and clinical Dessers that was seen at Ibrox against Dundee is a huge asset and Philippe Clement will be hoping that his number nine is at his very best in Sweden.
Three points on the road would be a great start to the new look league phase of the Europa League, especially with harder games around the corner.
