Predicted Rangers XI to face Rapid Vienna in the Europa League
Rangers will welcome Austrian outfit Rapid Vienna for their second Group G encounter of the 2018/19 UEFA Europa League at Ibrox Stadium on Thursday night.
Steven Gerrard’s Gers began their European adventure with an impressive 2-2 draw against Spanish La Liga side Villarreal, following which they registered heavy victories against St. Johnstone and Ayr. However, the Light Blues come into the midweek encounter on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Livingston this past weekend.
And the Rapid Vienna’s visit provides with the best opportunity to bounce back strongly as they find themselves on unstable grounds, having changed their manager a day before the crucial tie.
Ahead of the big game, let’s take a look as to how the Gers should set up against the Austrians on Thursday;
Team News
Midfielder Ryan Jack is back in training having recovered from a calf problem. However, Gerrard is unlikely to thrust him straight back into action immediately. New signing Gareth McAuley and midfielder Graham Dorrans also seem to have put their injury issues behind. Jamie Murphy remains a long-term absentee.
Manager: Steven Gerrard
Formation: 4-3-3
Allan McGregor (GK)
The veteran goalkeeper has nailed down the first-choice spot for himself since returning to Ibrox in the summer. No changes expected here.
James Tavernier (RB)
At right-back, club captain James Tavernier is a guaranteed starter for the Gers. The Englishman is a key player with his forward bursts from the back and his defensive nous.
Connor Goldson (CB)
The summer signing has settled in nicely and has established himself as a mainstay at the back for Gerrard’s side. Should start on Thursday.
Nikola Katic (CB)
The young Croatian defender was left out of against Livingston. Should be recalled into the line-up in place of on-loan defender Joe Worrall.
Borna Barisic (LB)
The Croatian international should take up the left-back slot for the Light Blues when Rapid Vienna come visiting this week.
Lassana Coulibaly (CM)
The on-loan midfielder is another who has settled nicely at Ibrox. Has made 9 appearances across all competitions, scoring twice in the process. Should be retained in the team.
Andy Halliday (CM)
Having endured a difficult last season, the 26-year-old has worked his way back into the Gers’ first-team under Gerrard this season. Should take up the holding midfield position.
Scott Arfield (CM)
The former Burnley man has developed into a vital cog in the midfield engine room for the Glasgow-based outfit since joining in the summer. Scored in the last European encounter and should start on Thursday night.
Ryan Kent (LW)
The on-loan Liverpool attacker has shown glimpses of his innate abilities since arriving at the Ibrox in the summer. Should be given a continued run in the starting XI.
Alfredo Morelos (ST)
Having been suspended for the first round of group fixtures, the Colombian forward is available for selection and should get the nod ahead of Kyle Lafferty.
Glenn Middleton (LW)
The 18-year-old winger tore apart Ayr United when he last took the field for the Gers. Should be given a go at the expense of Daniel Candeias, albeit on the opposite flank.
