Rangers’ starting line-up vs Ayr United you would think should matter too much.
The Gers have a host of talented individuals in their squad, and ultimately it shouldn’t matter who Steven Gerrard puts out. United, however, are flying high in the Scottish Championship, and actually top the table already.
Rangers, therefore, have to be sure that they take this contest seriously. Gerrard will ensure that plenty of respect is shown to Ayr for their terrific start to the season.
But it’s also important that Rangers give players game-time who desperately need it, whilst going for the win. There are a bunch of Rangers players who could do with games, and below we give our ideal starting XI:
GOALKEEPER
Allan McGregor has been a terrific performer this season, but we all know what he can do. The last part could also be said of Wes Foderingham, but he hasn’t had many games at all this season.
The former Rangers number one should be given his chance in between the sticks against Ayr. It’s important that the club has two sharp goalkeepers on top of their game. Given the fact Foderingham hasn’t been seen much lately, this is a good opportunity for him to get accustomed to playing at Ibrox once more.
DEFENCE
James Tavernier should rightfully play in his usual position. He’s the captain and has to make sure this game goes as smoothly as possible.
It’s important, however, for each centre-back to know how to play with each other. A flat back four with Nikola Katic and Joe Worrall at the heart of it should be enough to keep Ayr out. Worrall is a good young talent and performed extremely well in Villarreal.
He and Katic haven’t played together, however, and could do with a shot partnering each other. Both men have partnered Goldson in the past, but when he gets injured then both Worrall and Katic must have a decent understanding with each other. Ayr would give them a chance to devleop that.
Down the left-flank, Borna Barisic simply can’t be risked if he’s suffering from a hamstring knock. He’s supposed to be getting a scan on it this week, and Rangers can’t take any risks with someone as imporant as him.
Therefore, Jon Flanagan will slot right back in to his left-back role. It’s another opportunity for him to try and show some steel to his game after looking rather ropey against St Johnstone.
MIDFIELD
Eros Grezda may have scored for the reserves against Motherwell, but Daniel Candeias deserves another shot down the right. As it stands, the jersey is his to lose, bue Gerrard will give Grezda every opportunity to win it back.
In the mean-time, Candeias has to be allowed to continue thriving down the right. He’s one of Rangers’ key men when on his game, and hasn’t done anything to lose his place.
Down the left, however, Ryan Kent should be dropped for Glenn Middleton. This isn’t down to anything Kent has done wrong. The on-loan Liverpool star is growing every week in a Rangers jersey, but Middleton deserves this chance.
The left-winger was terrific against Villarreal and Dundee in his last two appearances. He has quick feet and can take his opposition man on. This is the kind of directness that will see Rangers reap some rewards this season. Kent’s played well, but it’s Middleton’s time to have a shot.
Centrally, Gerrard could afford to make a few changes. Graham Dorrans and Andy Halliday coming in for Scott Arfield and Ross McCrorie would be perfect.
Dorrans is itching for a chance to shine in midfield, whilst Halliday is just looking to continue building on his great early-season form. There is a question mark over the mobility of this midfield, but against Ayr you have to fancy Rangers to dominate anyway.
STRIKERS
Rangers can afford to be bold against Ayr and stick with the two up front. Who he picks, however, will tell a lot about his plans for certain players.
Kyle Lafferty and Alfredo Morelos are in fine goalscoring form, but I would partner one of these with Umar Sadiq on Wednesday. Morelos would be my first-choice to star along-side the big forward to see how they play off each other.
Sadiq won’t have much hope if he can’t break into the Rangers team for a home match against Ayr. Should the Rangers manager go with Lafferty and Morelos, you can’t see much f a future for Sadiq at Ibrox.
It’s important things remain fresh going forward, however, and the manager should pick Sadiq and let us see what he’s got.
You’ll find the full team below:
WES FODERINGHAM (GK)
JAMES TAVERNIER (RB)
NIKOLA KATIC (CB)
JOE WORRALL (CB)
JON FLANAGAN (LB)
DANIEL CANDEIAS (RB)
ANDY HALLIDAY (CM)
GRAHAM DORRANS (CM)
GLENN MIDDLETON (LM)
UMAR SADIQ (ST)
ALFREDO MORELOS (ST)
