Predicted XI to face Red Star as Gio names strongest side

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Predicted XI to face Red Star as Gio names strongest side
DORTMUND, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 17: Rangers players pose for a team photo prior to the UEFA Europa League Knockout Round Play-Offs Leg One match between Borussia Dortmund and Rangers FC at Football Arena Dortmund on February 17, 2022 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Martin Rose/Getty Images)

After Gio’s confirmation he’s going with his strongest team tomorrow night, Ibrox Noise decided to try and predict what we believe that is.

So here we go.

Goals… simple, McGregor. Even though domestically he’s been rotten this season (he has, make no bones about it) he’s been better in the UEL and was excellent v Red Star. He’s a stick on between the sticks in this tournament.

Defence:

The only two we can guarantee are of course James Tavernier at RB and Connor Goldson in the middle. Filling up the last two is now a bit more tricky.

Partnering the English CB is one of two – Leon Balogun or Calvin Bassey, given the short-sighted error of leaving Swede Filip Helander out. But given Borna Barisic’s continuing troubles at LB, it almost certainly will see Bassey in that role and Balogun in the middle.

Midfield:

Lundstram and Jack. It’s our best midfield by a country mile and we’d be shocked if anyone else lines up here.

Attacking midfield:

Ryan Kent is clearly on the left, but after that it gets a bit more abstract. Joe Aribo has not performed at all this calendar year, and while Gio is paying no heed to suspension tightropes, the Nigerian is a bit more ‘disposable’ at present and Alex Lowry is in the squad. On the right, Amad Diallo, Fashion Sakala (another booking case) and Kemar Roofe are certainly vying for that slot not to mention returning Scott Arfield.

And up front of course no one else other than Morelos.

So, while a glut of the team picks itself, some others actually don’t. But we’ll have a go:

McGregor; Tavernier, Goldson, Balogun, Bassey; Jack, Lundstram; Kent, Aribo, Arfield; Morelos.

Aribo isn’t in great form but we can’t see Gio being so bold as to drop him when ‘this’ could be the match he comes back to life. Arfield is ever-reliable and even when he’s not at his finest still plays a role and works hard.

And that’s about all we can say.

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