Steven Gerrard working wonders with Rangers
Rangers will face off against Russian heavyweights Spartak Moskva in their third Group G encounter of the 2018/19 UEFA Europa League at the Ibrox on Thursday.
Steven Gerrard’s men are currently at the top of their group, having collected four points from their previous two matches. Their last European encounter ended in a 3-1 triumph over Rapid Vienna, following which they picked up back-to-back victories in the Scottish Premiership against Hearts and more recently against Hamilton Academical.
And a win against Spartak on Thursday night would mean they have one step through the doors to the next stage of the competition.
Midfielder Graham Dorrans is sidelined once again after having returned to action only recently for the Gers. Question marks remain over the availability of full-back Borna Barisic and midfielder Scott Arfield, both of whom weren’t involved this weekend. Meanwhile, Gareth McAuley is also expected to play no part. Jamie Murphy is ruled out for the season.
Here’s how Rangers might take the field against the Russian club in the midweek;
The 36-year-old goalkeeper has firmly established himself as the No.1 at Ibrox ahead of Wes Foderingham since arriving in the summer. No changes expected here.
The club captain has easily been one of the Gers’ best players in the ongoing campaign. Tavernier scored in their last European fixture and grabbed a double this past weekend against the Accies. Definite starter at right-back.
Arriving from Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer, the centre-back has established himself as a mainstay at the back for Gerrard’s side. A reliable performer, he should start again on Thursday.
The on-loan defender from Nottingham Forest has started both of the Light Blues’ European fixtures this term and should get the nod ahead of Nikola Katic.
With Barisic a doubt for the game, former Liverpool man Jon Flanagan should come into the starting XI in place of Andy Halliday, who started over the weekend.
The 22-year-old Malian international has settled in nicely since arriving at the club on loan in the summer window. Should keep hold of his place in the playing XI.
The Scotland international has been in and out of the team with an injury problem this season, but now that he is fit, he should get a start in the injury-enforced absence of Scott Arfield.
The on-loan Liverpool midfielder has become a permanent fixture in Gerrard’s side week in week out this term and that is unlikely to change when the Russian outfit come visiting.
The Portuguese winger hasn’t been able to reproduce his form from last season but has registered two assists in his two Europa League appearances this term. Should start on the right flank.
The Colombian marksman has already hit double figures for the 2018/19 campaign, bagging 11 goals in 19 appearances across all competitions, with 6 assists to go along with as well. Definite starter ahead of Kyle Lafferty.
The on-loan attacker was on the scoresheet for Rangers in their weekend victory over Hamilton. Should be retained in the starting line-up for Thursday’s encounter.
