Predicted starting XI for Thistle; what we know

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Predicted starting XI for Thistle; what we know

After curiously announcing it would be a fairly unchanged team over the weekend, instead Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha has done a full 180 and will ring in a raft of alterations for tonight’s Partick clash, some forced, and some not.

What we know for sure is the following players will play no part:

Through injury; Lee Wallace, Niko Kranjcar and Jordan Rossiter.

Through rest; Kenny Miller.

And we know that Graham Dorrans, while passed fit, is still technically recovering from a weekend infection and is potentially unlikely to last the full 90.

We know the following players will definitely (as definite as things can be in football anyway) start, according to Pedro:

Graham Dorrans, Ryan Jack (has recovered from ankle knock sustained on Friday), Bruno Alves and Declan John.

Naturally we would assume Daniel Candeias, Fabio Cardoso and Alfredo Morelos will continue in their respective slots which gives us eight selections (including Fods), leaving three vacancies.

Going by Pedro’s comments, Declan John will indeed slot in for the absent Lee Wallace, meaning a start on the left for either Josh Windass, Aaron Nemane or Dalcio (remember him?).

With no Miller in the 9 shirt, Mexico’s Eduardo Herrera or Carlos Pena could take up that position leaving us with a possible XI which looks like this:

4:4:2

Foderingham; Tavernier, Cardoso, Alves, John; Candeias, Dorrans, Jack, Windass; Herrera, Morelos.

Going by Pedro’s selection policies thus far this season, the above is the most likely. But he could well spring surprises in the form of Nemane and/or Dalcio.

Would you be happy with that selection?

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5 COMMENTS

  1. Aye a suppose I would..Herrera might unsettle the Thistle defence if he remembers to run in the correct direction .I think it's time to let us see Penna for at least 45 minutes so we can see what this guy is about cause we spent a lot of can on him a thought not missed surely by the board By the way Pedro is spot on this tome about the tackling and aggression shown only to us by all its a disgrace ..but typical … I think we will win well tonight

  2. Do you really think Fod will start? I'd have said that would be the first unforced change!

    He's got to play the Mexicans. Let's see what they're made off, Firhill, Tuesday night under the lights!

  3. Fuck it I'd throw barjonas or nemane or Liam Burt in or someone from the youth at least, it's a cup game at firhill at the end of the day and a good time to give some exposure or the guys.

    If our youth team is in the shape our development coaches seem to think it is throwing one or two in surely can't do worse than Friday

  4. Thistle are fuckin hammer throwers. The ref better get his act together tonight.

    If Dorrans was down with a virus, I'd rest him. At least put him on the bench just in case.

    Hererra will definitely start. A better partner for Morelos than Miller. In Dorrans absence, theme to give Pena a start. So I'd go

    Fods

    Tav. Cardoso. Alves. John

    Candeias Jack. Pena. Windass

    Morelos. Hererra

    The only issue is whether Pena is cut out for a straight centre mid role. He'll need to track back and put in challenges as necessary

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