Philippe Clement looks set to make several changes to his Rangers starting lineup for their Scottish Cup semi-final clash with Hearts.
The Gers are winless in their last three games following the 0-0 draw with Dundee at Dens Park on Wednesday (17 April), while Hearts claimed a 4-2 win over Livingston in their last outing.
A place in the final against Celtic or Hibernian awaits the winner of this tie, and Rangers will be keen to get back to winning ways as soon as possible but after recent performances the manager will surely look to make changes to his team.
One position that certainly won’t change is the goalkeeper, with Jack Butland the undisputed number one at Ibrox and easily the best option at the club despite suggestions he wants to leave.
James Tavernier and Connor Goldson have come under scrutiny for recent performances but the experienced duo look sure to keep their places in the side with Clement backing them publicly, and a lack of alternatives available too.
John Souttar has taken the role of Goldson’s partner in recent months and with Leon Balogun missing the midweek game and Ben Davies unfavoured, the Scotland international should start once more.
Borna Barisic to start despite Turkey transfer on the cards?
At left-back, however, there could be a change. Ridvan Yilmaz still seems likely to miss out with a thigh injury but Borna Barisic should come in to offer natural width, despite claims he is set for a move to Turkey when his contract expires.
That will free up Clement-favourite Dujon Sterling to move into midfield and partner John Lundstram where he has been often preferred in recent weeks, with Mohammed Diomande missing the midweek clash with Dundee after surgery.
In attack, Abdallah Sima has recovered and is back to being first-choice on the left-wing and should start as the club’s biggest goal threat, while Cyriel Dessers should reclaim his starting spot after Kemar Roofe’s poor audition against Dundee.
Fabio Silva started on the wing but was clearly uncomfortable against Dundee and should drop out of the side, with the pace of Rabbi Matondo likely to be a big threat for the team to use.
In the middle Todd Cantwell has been poor in recent games, with Kris Boyd calling him out after midweek and Clement has been known to make a statement by leaving him out. It would also allow Tom Lawrence to move into a more advanced role, and the Wales man should get the nod.
In other Rangers news, Tam McManus has mocked Clement’s side after the goalless draw with Dundee.
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