Dessers Should Spearhead The Attack | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face St Mirren | OneFootball

Despite a dismal domestic season under Philippe Clement, the Rangers board have not dismissed the Belgian boss as they aim for long-term stability to avoid financial implications. A victory over Hearts at Tynecastle eased the pressure on the gaffer, yet he might witness fans’ outrage this weekend when his men clash heads with St Mirren at Ibrox.

The past few fixtures between these two sides have been edgy and competitive. The Gers clinched a 2-1 home win in late October, however, the Buddies had their revenge when Caolan Boyd-Munce struck an injury-time winner to earn his side a well-deserved 2-1 victory on the Boxing Day evening. Both sides secured identical results in their own backyard, but the inconsistency all season might trouble the Light Blues on Saturday afternoon.

Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face St Mirren

Defence

Jack Butland remains the first choice between the sticks and should keep his ‘number 1’ status over Liam Kelly.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – OCTOBER 27: Václav Černý of Rangers scores his team’s second goal during the William Hill Premiership match between Rangers FC and St. Mirren FC at Ibrox Stadium on October 27, 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Clinton Nsiala has been a revelation since being promoted to the first-team setup. He has cemented a starting role, but the manager might drop John Souttar in favour of Robin Propper to partner with the young Frenchman in the heart of the backline. Jefte must be deployed from the left ahead of Ridvan Yilmaz, and the skipper James Tavernier is expected to operate from the right with few options available. Lille loanee Rafael Fernandes will deputize in deep defence amid injuries to Dujon Sterling, Neraysho Kasanwirjo and Leon Balogun.

Midfield

An MCL injury has ruled Connor Barron out for months. Bailey Rice’s lack of experience should see Mohamed Diomande and Nicolas Raskin feature again as the ‘double pivot’. Raskin would marshall the ‘back four’ and script attacking transitions from the deep. Diomande’s dribbling, down-the-middle runs and ball-carrying traits must be utilized in the centre of the pitch.

Vaclav Cerny and Ianis Hagi have impressed as wide midfielders. However, the ‘number 10’ spot is a concern after Tom Lawrence’s underwhelming performance against Hearts. Nedim Bajrami has been below par after a few impressive outings early into the season, and Clement, therefore, must show more aggression while setting up his starting lineup. Hamza Igamane could be a better fit as a midfield attacker as his sharpness high up the pitch would inject more firepower.

Attack

Cyriel Dessers had an impressive cameo last weekend. The Nigerian should spearhead the attack and the versatility of Igamane might allow the Rangers boss to tweak his formation to 4-4-2 if the situation demands.