Rangers head into their first leg tie against Club Brugge tonight knowing a win at Ibrox will be vital to their chances of progression to the UEFA Champions League’s new league phase.
Russell Martin’s men host the Belgians in the opening bout of their playoff round match up tonight with the likes of Thelo Aasgaard and Hamza Igamane back in contention.
However, they will be without Oscar Cortes and Nedim Bajrami, who were both removed from the European squad, along with Jefte, who looks set to depart to Brazilian side Palmeries this week.
Also, out and unregistered is the injured Dujon Sterling, whilst Rabbi Matondo, Ridvan Yilmaz, Jose Cifuentes and Ben Davies are also unregistered and have been told they can depart Ibrox this summer.
New signing Jayden Meghoma is a late addition to the squad, and the left back could be set for a baptism of fire for his Rangers debut later today.
Mikey Moore is also in the squad, with Cyriel Dessers an injury doubt after his knock last week vs Viktoria Plzen.
Martin has some big calls to make, ones that could shape Rangers season and the finances available to him for the final few weeks of the transfer window.
Here is how the team at Inside Ibrox think we will line up against Brugge:
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Martin's midfield call sparks debate ahead of Rangers UEFA Champions League Playoff tie
Jack Cranmer
Butland; Tavernier, Djiga, Souttar, Aarons; Rothwell, Raskin, Aasgaard; Gassama, Antman, Danilo
I expect a return to a strong starting XI tonight after the weekend’s cup game with Alloa. Jack Butland back in goal, with Max Aarons in at left back ahead of Meghoma as the loanee won’t be too familiar with his teammates as of yet.
Joe Rothwell and Nicolas Raskin to interchange between the 6 and 8 spots with Aasgaard getting his first start ahead of them.
Djeidi Gassama and Oliver Antman on the wings, and whilst I would love to see Igamane or even Cyriel Dessers start this one I think fitness will see Danilo start up top tonight.
Bryan Watson
Butland; Tavernier, Djiga, Souttar, Aarons; Rothwell, Raskin, Aasgaard; Antman, Gassama, Danilo
I don't think Martin will throw Meghoma into such a big game when he was a squad player for him at Southampton so think he'll go with Aarons (although wouldn't be shocked if it was Tavernier at left back after the Alloa game).
He said today Raskin will play, Rothwell is his main man so I imagine he starts and Aasgaard today said he’s fit to start and could prove to be that missing piece of the midfield balance.
Front three is nailed on because Dessers is touch and go and he alluded to Igamane not being fit enough to start in the post Alloa presser.
David Marshall
Butland; Tavernier, Djiga, Souttar, Meghoma; Raskin, Rothwell, Aasgaard; Antman, Danilo, Gassama
Agree with Jack on Danilo starting due to fitness of our other options. Only difference I can see is Meghoma starting at left back, he has worked in a Martin system before and will be trusted to cope and debut.
I think this is as good as we’ve got at the moment.
Mikey Moore might need some more time before getting thrown into a big game. I could also see Aarons given the nod ahead of Tavernier too.
Steven Wilson
Butland; Tavernier, Djiga, Souttar, Aarons; Rothwell, Raskin, Diomande; Antman, Gassama, Igamane
I think Martin will start Igamane despite his comments at the weekend, he is such an upgrade on the other two and important to how we play.
Also expect Diomande to start ahead of Aasgaard with the Norwegian brought off the bench if and when needed.