Predicted XI for Malmo as Stevie ponders winning Rangers

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Predicted XI for Malmo as Stevie ponders winning Rangers
210803 Steven Gerrard, head coach of Rangers during the UEFA Champions League qualifying match between Malmö FF and Rangers on August 3, 2021 in Malmö. Photo: Petter Arvidson / BILDBYRAN / kod PA / PA0261 fotboll football soccer fotball champions league kval qualifying round qualification rangers malmö ff bbeng *** 210803 Steven Gerrard, head coach of Rangers during the UEFA Champions League qualifying match between Malmö FF and Rangers on August 3, 2021 in Malmö Photo Petter Arvidson BILDBYRAN kod PA PA0261 fotboll football soccer fotball champions league kval qualifying round qualification rangers malmö ff bbeng, PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxSWExNORxAUT Copyright: PETTERxARVIDSON BB210803PA017

The big question on everyone’s lips is Rangers’ starting lineup tomorrow. Ibrox Noise is going to have a look at the options and see exactly where we are and what we think the XI will be.

Goalie, easy enough, it’s Greegsy.

Defence is more interesting…

James Tavernier hasn’t had the brightest start to the season, and has been at fault for at least two clangers of goals. He offers a lot going forward but we’ll be vulnerable with him at the back v a team of Malmo’s calibre. Still can’t see Nathan Patterson taking his place though…

Connor Goldson will play. Beside him? Helander looking a bit shaky the past two matches – Leon Balogun may just come back in. And Borna Barisic is certain to be on the left despite also starting the season a bit slow.

Midfield is also slightly complicated. There’s no Jack probably for the month, and Scott Arfield is a mile off the pace,and Kamara is suspended, so the options are quite thin anyway. Davis, Lundstram and Aribo is the lot. Davo is reliable even if he has been slightly below par this season, and Aribo and Lundstram are the only two left.

Up front? Kent on the left is pretty certain, while the right will be either Wright or a hopefully fit Ianis Hagi. Or someone else… Middle will be Morelos.

The reality is, unfortunately, a glut of Rangers’ players are below fitness, and they’re not focused enough. Aribo, Morelos, Barisic, Arfield, Helander, Balogun and Hagi are all either struggling for full fitness or are outright unfit. Or don’t in full concentration. It’s a major issue and Stevie will have to negotiate that to pick the best possible team for tomorrow.

Our prediction?

McGregor; Tavernier, Goldson, Balogun, Barisic; Davis, Aribo, Lundstram; Kent, Morelos, Wright

Our hopes?

That this group of players finally click and the team delivers a big performance, because we’re down £60M if they don’t.

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