Rangers return to league action with a trip to Kilmarnock as Philippe Clement looks to keep the good results going.
Performances have improved, although not in an entirely linear basis, but the consistency of keeping a clean sheet in every domestic game between the international breaks can’t be ignored as being anything other than a good sign.
Every game is a must win affair with Rangers five points adrift in third place in the table and the manager knows that the momentum built up must be maintained to keep the Ibrox faithful at bay.
Rangers predicted XI vs Kilmarnock
This is your Rangers News predicted team for the short trip to Kilmarnock.
The defence has been solid of late with Jack Butland back to his best and Clement able to field a consistent selection.
As a former defender himself, he understands the importance of communication and building partnerships.
John Souttar and Robin Propper will be gaining confidence by the week as the clean sheets mount and another at Rugby Park could go a long way to securing three points.
Souttar especially will be flying after returning to duty for Scotland, not only that, but he did what thousands of other centre-halves have failed to do – keep Ronaldo quiet and goalless.
It is a partnership that is starting to look like one Clement can finally trust.
Ridvan Yilmaz will be back in full training soon but will face a fight to get his place back, Jefte is a man in form and improving every week.
James Tavernier has seen his position come under threat from Neraysho Kasanwirjo but, as skipper, Clement will always back him in big games.
Rangers face a tough test as they attempt to close the gap
The defence will have to be at their best against a physical Killie side and Derek McInnes will have them well organised, something Clement is fully aware of, as told in his pre-match press conference:
“A very tough one, we know, and they say themselves also the last couple of days when I read. So, it’s a place where you need to adapt to the circumstances, and that’s not an excuse, for sure not.
“So, you need to adapt to that way, the style of play they have and the surface you play on. And it’s a team who likes to compete with the Old Firm, they’re looking forward to that.
“So, we’re also looking forward to battle to get the three points. And I saw the game of last season, so that was for me the first experience there. So, I want to repeat that experience.”
Rangers have rotated in midfield recently between Connor Barron and Nicolas Raskin, but it is the former who is in possession of the metaphorical number six jersey.
In Mohamed Diomande and Nedim Bajrami, he has plenty of creativity and technical ability on the ball ahead of him.
The Gers boss will be gutted to not have Ianis Hagi at his disposal due to suspension but attacking options are improving with the return to training of Danilo.
Clement will be more likely to bring the Brazilian off the bench to replace Cyriel Dessers although the artificial surface might play a role in his thinking.
Vaclav Cerny looked like the winger everyone hoped for when he signed for Rangers against St Johnstone and he will be confident on his return from international duty.
With options at left-back, on the wing and at number 10 limited, Hamza Igamane playing off the left is the common sense move to make given that is where he made his debut at Parkhead and impressed.
The young Morrocan needs games to adapt and it doesn’t matter where he plays.
Related Posts