Predicted Rangers XI to face Leipzig – Gio rings changes

It’s safe to say Thursday night is D-day for Rangers. With the league now hanging by a thread, if even as strong as that, we suggested Gio is now throwing everything into the UEL, and Thursday, and his team selection on Saturday suggested he is.

There were no Lundstram, Jack, (initially) Bassey, or Ryan Kent, just four of the major names who have been part of Rangers’ recent extraordinary European adventures, and instead it was effectively a fringe XI.

So what eleven do we expect to see in Leipzig?

Obviously we’re missing Ramsey, Morelos, Roofe and Hagi, with the similarly-injured Filip Helander ineligible anyway, so that does reduce the options a lot in truth.

In goal it will of course be McGregor, no debate on that one.

Defence?

Tavernier, Goldson, Bassey and Barisic. That is back to being Gio’s first-choice defence, and Bassey is now 100% a starter be it CB or LB.

Midfield?

Again, it’s not that difficult – Jack and Lundstram. Both were saved on Saturday.

Attacking midfield?

The options here are Kent, Aribo, Wright, Lowry and Arfield. We see zero chance for Lowry, and Kent and Aribo will definitely start. The final slot is between Wright and Arfield and we’d be stunned if Gio picks Wright.

Attack?

Sakala, no choice.

So your Ibrox Noise XI:

McGregor; Tavernier, Goldson, Bassey, Barisic; Lundstram, Jack; Kent, Aribo, Arfield; Sakala

Unless we’re wildly overlooking someone, that’s your starters.