As Rangers prepare to kick off their European campaign under new head coach Russell Martin, the visit of Greek giants Panathinaikos presents a stern early test.
While the new-look squad is still settling, the manager’s hand is likely to be forced by fitness, form, and familiarity.
Here’s how we expect Rangers to line up on Tuesday night.
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Goalkeeper:
Jack Butland
Despite being linked with competition for the No.1 jersey, Butland remains the first-choice option, for now.
Last season’s errors still linger in fan memory, but until a replacement is signed or he becomes a liability, Butland is trusted to marshal the back line.
He’ll need to show early signs of renewed focus.
Defenders:
James Tavernier, John Souttar, Nasser Djiga, Max Aarons
Tavernier looks set to retain his berth on the right, especially as Russell Martin doesn’t seem fully convinced by either Jefte or the unregistered Ridvan Yilmaz.
That could see Max Aarons, recruited to play on the right, start on the opposite flank for this tie.
At centre-back, new signing Nasser Djiga is expected to be thrown in from the start.
With Connor Coady’s deal still pending and Emmanuel Fernandez less experienced, Souttar’s stability and leadership should earn him the nod alongside Djiga.
Midfielders:
Nico Raskin, Joe Rothwell, Mohammed Diomande
The likely absence of Aasgaard simplifies things in midfield. Diomande will operate in a more advanced role, with Raskin and Rothwell behind him.
On paper, this trio offers balance, technical skill, industry, and forward thrust, but they’ll need to gel quickly to control a disciplined Panathinaikos side.
Forwards:
Kieran Dowell, Oscar Cortes, Danilo
In attack, Rangers remain light. Both Dessers and Igamane returned late to pre-season and could still be on the move.
That puts Danilo, who has enjoyed a promising pre-season, in pole position to lead the line.
With little depth on the wings, Cortes should start on the left after making his loan permanent.
On the right, Dowell may be given an inside-forward role as Gassama beds in, although the selection here remains fluid.
Predicted Starting XI:
(4-3-3)
Butland; Tavernier, Souttar, Djiga, Aarons; Raskin, Rothwell, Diomande; Dowell, Danilo, Cortes.
Bench Options:
Liam Kelly, Kieran Wright, Emmanuel Fernandez, Jefte, Nedim Bajrami, Connor Barron, Lyall Cameron, Bailey Rice, Djiedi Gassama, Cyriel Dessers, Hamza Igamane, Josh Gentles.
King and Fraser are in the registered squad but unlikely to feature as King has been told he can leave, and Jefte will already be one left back on standby.
Aasgaard would start if fit, likely replacing Dowell, but for now, Gentles fills out the bench.
Yilmaz, Robin Propper, Clinton Nsiala, Jose Cifuentes and Ross McCausland are all unregistered after being told they can depart.
The injured Rabbi Matondo, also told he can depart, and Dujon Sterling are also unavailable.
Final Word:
Martin’s first European test is a tough one, Panathinaikos are battle-hardened at this level.
With key players still settling and transfer business unfinished, Rangers will rely on energy, intensity, and a bit of Ibrox magic.
This starting XI, while imperfect, should offer enough to lay a platform for the second leg.