Predicted Rangers XI v Osijek – three new summer signings start

With tomorrow’s crunch Europa League second round qualifier against Croatian side Osijek firmly upon us, much speculation has surfaced about the XI manager Steven Gerrard is likely to select for the first leg in the Balkan region.

As we know, defender Lee Hodson was omitted from the squad in advance of a likely contractual termination, while Jordan Rossiter misses out through injury.

Furthermore, new signings Lassana Coulibaly and Umar Sadiq are both included for the trip, while attacker Josh Windass is heavily linked with a move out, but makes the squad nevertheless.

As such, what XI is the manager likely to opt for?

A key change is likely to be up front. Alfredo Morelos has been evidently sub-par so far this season, but we suspect Gerrard would be loathe to dispense with his star striker, and rather than drop him, change the formation or give him more support – we sense Umar Sadiq will play behind him or as a duo in a pairing up top.

We also reckon the man to make way will be Josh Windass, while Daniel Candeias will re-take his right wing slot.

Scott Arfield is touch and go, and if he doesn’t manage to be fit in time Ryan Kent may well start in his place assuming international clearance came through.

Last but not least we would envisage another debut, this time for Lassana Coulibaly, either instead of Ross McCrorie or as a duo in holding midfield.

The displays recently have not been convincing and Gerrard may look to his increasing resources to find something more suitable.

So, your Ibrox Noise predicted XI:

McGregor; Tavernier, Goldson, Katic, Flanagan; Coulibaly; Murphy, Kent, Sadiq, Candeias; Morelos

We don’t know if this has enough to overcome what is a pretty impressive Osijek, but we can only hope.