Philippe Clement’s new-look Rangers team face a huge test of their Ibrox credentials against Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership.
The Gers have endured a stuttering start to the season whilst Aberdeen have been flying high at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.
Rangers manager Philippe Clement has pleaded for patience as his young team get themselves together at Ibrox, whilst Aberdeen haven’t stopped since Jimmy Thelin took charge.
A failure to put in a performance at Pittodrie will intensify calls for the manager’s head and here’s how we suspect Philippe Clement will line up against Aberdeen.
Rangers predicted XI v Aberdeen
Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland was the captain in the weekend’s win over St Mirren and is a shoo-in to start against Aberdeen.
But we suspect James Tavernier will reclaim the armband, just as he did coming off the bench v the Saints, as Rangers head to the northeast.
Robin Propper had a torrid time against St Mirren forward Toyosi Olusanya in the 2-1 win over the Saints and we think John Souttar will overcome an injury to take his place at Ibrox.
Leon Balogun has been over the course at Pittodrie before and we suspect the Nigerian veteran will start the game, although we’re not convinced he’ll finish it.
Brazilian left-back Jefte will likely continue at left-back.
In midfield, Connor Barron makes his return to Aberdeen and Pittodrie and we’re backing Mohamed Diomande to start alongside him.
With Tom Lawrence fit, we reckon the Welsh will occupy the ‘number ten’ role with no surprises for who we believe will be the front three.
Nedim Bajrami has shown touches of the player he can be for Rangers, whilst Vaclav Cerny is on a rich vein of scoring form.
Cyriel Dessers earns a recall after playing the second 45 against St Mirren at Ibrox.
Rangers XI for Scottish Premiership clash
GK – Jack Butland
DR – James Tavernier
DC – John Souttar
DC – Leon Balogun
DL – Jefte
CDM – Connor Barron
CDM – Mohamed Diomande
CAM – Tom Lawrence
RW – Vaclav Cerny
LW – Nedim Bajrami
ST – Cyriel Dessers
