Rangers face a battle with history as the club prepares to face Lyon in the Europa League at Ibrox.
The Gers’ previous battles with the Ligue 1 side have brought with them excellent fortune in the past, Rangers reaching this competition’s final in 2008 and 2021 after meeting the French outfit.
But whilst Rangers remain unbeaten in France – a 3-0 win and 1-1 draw respectively – the Ibrox side are yet to so much as score a goal against Lyon at Ibrox.
A Karim Benzema inspired 3-0 humbling 16 years ago and a James Tavernier own goal in a 2-0 defeat en route to Seville means Rangers will have to do something they’ve never done before at Ibrox this week.
Philippe Clement has already banished the club’s woeful record in Sweden to the history books and now we look at the team who the Ibrox manager will turn to in the hope of doing the same in Glasgow.
How will Rangers line up v Lyon in the Europa League?
Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland has returned to form and was instrumental in saving a penalty in the 1-0 win over Hibs this weekend.
The Englishman is nailed on to start and we suspect the entire back five will have a very familiar look.
James Tavernier will be looking to make amends for that own goal three years ago whilst we’re tipping Brazilian left-back Jefte to play his first Europa League match for the Gers at left-back.
Robin Pröpper and John Souttar have been praised in the press heading into this game with the duo keeping six clean sheets in the last seven matches.
In midfield, Mohamed Diomande has been passed fit for Rangers and we suspect the midfielder will start alongside Connor Barron in the middle of the pitch.
Tom Lawrence is finally finding some rhythm after an injury hit two years in Glasgow and we’re tipping the midfielder to retain his place in the ‘number ten’ slot.
With Nedim Bajrami starting off the left, Vaclav Cerny is likely to start off the right and Nigerian international Cyriel Dessers is nailed on to start up front.
Is this the team Philippe Clement wan trust to overcome history and record a legendary Europa League win against Lyon at Ibrox?
Rangers predicted XI v Lyon (Europa League)
GK – Jack Butland
DR – James Tavernier
DC – Connor Goldson
DC – John Souttar
DL – Jefte
CM – Mohamed Diomande
CM – Connor Barron
CAM – Tom Lawrence
RW – Vaclav Cerny
LW – Nedim Bajrami
ST – Cyriel Dessers
