Rangers are back in action this weekend, taking on Rob Edwards Middlesbrough at Ibrox on Saturday in a pre-season friendly.
The match with the EFL Championship side comes in the middle of both legs of Rangers two UEFA Champions League qualifying matches against Greek side Panathinaikos.
With Russell Martin and his team heading to Athens for Wednesday’s match with a 2-0 lead from Tuesday evening’s first leg, we can expect changes to the lineup.
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Goalkeeper:
Liam Kelly
We expect both Kelly and Jack Butland to feature 45 minutes each in this match, allowing both first-team keepers to build up fitness levels.
Who starts and who comes on will be interchangeable, Butland will remain in goal for next Wednesday after his first-half heroics.
Defenders:
Max Aarons, James Tavernier, Emmanuel Fernandez, Jefte
Aarons started at left back on Tuesday but will likely be utilized in his more natural right back slot for this game with captain Tavernier utilized at centre back alongside new boy Fernandez as Martin rests starters Nasser Djiga and John Souttar.
Expect Jefte to get minutes at left back as he looks to earn some trust from the new head coach ahead of Wednesday's second leg.
Midfielders:
Bailey Rice, Lyall Cameron, Connor Barron
Expect first choice trio of Nico Raskin, Mo Diomande and Joe Rothwell to all drop out.
A three of Rice and Barron could operate behind an advanced Cameron, making his Ibrox debut for this one.
Expect all six to interchange as subs are made throughout.
Nedim Bajrami could also find a place in the squad depending on Cameron’s fitness.
Forwards:
Hamza Igamane, Oscar Cortes, Cyriel Dessers
With Dessers and Igamane limited to substitute appearances on Tuesday after late returns from pre-season we expect both to start here as they look to be ready for Wednesday.
Expect Cortes, dropped for Kieran Dowell earlier in the week to come in from the off as he looks to earn a starting spot for Wednesday.
Djeidi Gassama was also limited to a substitute appearance due to fitness on Tuesday, the goal scorer may get the nod ahead of the Colombian for this one.
Predicted Starting XI:
(4-3-3)
Kelly; Aarons, Tavernier, Fernandez, Jefte; Rice, Cameron, Barron; Igamane, Cortes, Dessers.
Bench Options:
Jack Butland, Kieran Wright, Nasser Djiga, John Souttar, Robbie Fraser, Nedim Bajrami, Nico Raskin, Joe Rothwell, Mohammed Diomande, Kieran Dowell, Findlay Curtis, Danilo
Leon King may get some minutes on the bench as he is registered for Europe but remains unlikely as he is way out of favour and only in squad for home grown quota reasons.
Thelo Aasgaard will feature if fit but remains unlikely to make Saturday.
Clinton Nsiala, Jose Cifuentes and Ross McCausland are all out of the picture after being told they can depart.
The injured Rabbi Matondo and Ridvan Yilmaz have also been told they can depart, and Dujon Sterling is also unavailable.
Mason Munn looks set to depart on loan with Kieran Wright promoted to the bench.
Final Word:
While the timing of this fixture feels far from ideal, it offers Martin a valuable opportunity to rotate his squad and give minutes to those still working their way back to full fitness.
With the trip to Athens looming large, this friendly clash against a strong Middlesbrough side will serve as a key test of depth, sharpness, and adaptability.
Expect Ibrox to host a competitive afternoon despite the “friendly” tag, with 7,000 travelling Boro fans adding to what should be a lively atmosphere.
For Rangers, it’s about managing minutes wisely, avoiding injuries, and perhaps giving a few fringe players a final chance to stake a claim before Wednesday’s season-defining showdown in Greece.
It may be pre-season, but the stakes remain high with places in the starting XI still very much up for grabs.