Rangers are preparing to welcome Livingston for a must win League Cup clash at Ibrox.
Gers manager Michael Beale is a man under pressure and despite beating Motherwell at the weekend, his side were subject to yet more boos.
Ever since the first kick of the domestic season has Michael Beale’s new-look team been heavily scrutinised and they’re yet to convince anyone in the Ibrox stands.
But the League Cup clash with Livingston represents a major opportunity for this Rangers team as they vie for a place at Hampden.
With Old Firm rivals Celtic eliminated by Kilmarnock in the last round, there is no excuse for Rangers not to go on and lift this trophy.
It is a trophy which has evaded the club ever since 2011 and it’s about time a near 13 year hoodoo was ended.
Beyond that, Michael Beale needs a domestic cup in the win column after fluffing his lines last season and failing to win one as Steven Gerrard’s understudy.
For a Rangers team still finding it’s feet and with nine new players, it’s a ginormous opportunity to prove they have a winning mentality too.
But before Rangers can eye those red, white and blue ribbons, there’s a hugely difficult League Cup quarter final clash with Livingston to navigate first.
David Martindale’s charges might’ve been humbled 4-0 earlier in the season but cup football is notoriously unpredictable.
Rangers also go into the match without six key first teamers and the club’s threadbare midfield and attack bereft of confidence and belief from the stands.
That’s even after Michael Beale confirmed both Abdallah Sima and Kemar Roofe could be returning to the side for this match.
With all that in mind, here’s how we’re banking on Rangers to line up against Livingston in the League Cup and let’s hope it’s enough to get the job done.
Rangers predicted XI v Livingston in League Cup (4-3-1-2)
GK – Jack Butland
DR – James Tavernier
DC – Connor Goldson
DC – Ben Davies
DL – Borna Barisic
CDM – John Lundstram
CM – Jose Cifuentes
CM – Ryan Jack
CAM – Sam Lammers
ST – Cyriel Dessers
ST – Kemar Roofe
Where to watch Rangers v Livingston?
Rangers’ League Cup quarter-final clash with Livingston is set to kick at Ibrox at 8pm GMT.
The match will be shown live on Viaplay Sports 1 with coverage starting from 7:30pm.
