Diomande To Return | Predicted 4-4-2 Rangers Lineup To Face Union Saint-Gilloise | OneFootball

A win on the road against Dundee United must have uplifted the spirit in the Rangers camp ahead of clashing heads with Royale Union Saint-Gilloise for their final Europa League group phase contest. While the Light Blues are only ahead on goal difference after seven encounters, a win at Ibrox could see them avoid knockout phase playoffs if a few other outcomes work in their favour.

The same applies to the Belgian side who secured three successive wins against Twente, Nice and Braga in their last three European encounters. Rangers and Union Saint-Gilloise produced a thriller in August 2022 when they locked horns in the Champions League qualifiers. Les Unionistes grabbed a 2-0 home victory in Brussels, however, the Gers turned things around a week later by clinching a 3-0 win in their own backyard.

Predicted 4-4-2 Rangers Lineup To Face Union Saint-Gilloise

Defence

Rangers have Jack Butland back between the sticks following a brief injury layoff. The Englishman is expected to retain his starting status ahead of Liam Kelly, who is now back among the substitutes after a run of games earlier this month.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JANUARY 23: Nedim Bajrami of Rangers FC contends for the aerial ball with Leny Yoro and Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between Manchester United and Rangers FC at Old Trafford on January 23, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Skipper James Tavernier made it to the scoresheet from the spot when the Light Blues hosted the Belgians two-and-a-half years ago. The veteran right fullback must balance his game between defence and attack, but the gaffer Philippe Clement has no other senior centre-half except for Robin Propper. Injuries to Leon Balogun, Neraysho Kasanwirjo, Dujon Sterling and John Souttar could see him deploying Leon King given Clinton Nsiala’s ineligibility in the Europa League. Jefte has been a regular down the left and must feature this midweek again with Ridvan Yilmaz sidelined due to a small injury.

Midfield

Mohamed Diomande was suspended for the Manchester United game but should return to midfield against Saint-Gilloise. The Ivorian would form a ‘double pivot’ alongside Nicolas Raskin in the centre of the pitch. Outcast Kieran Dowell has left for Birmingham City, whereas Connor Barron is ruled out with an injury.

Rangers are decimated down the wide due to fitness woes. Nedim Bajrami and Ross McCausland should operate from the flanks amid injuries to Vaclav Cerny and Oscar Cortes. Ianis Hagi is not registered for the Europa League, but the manager could bring in fit-again Tom Lawrence who remained as an unused substitute in their past two games.

Both Hamza Igamane and Cyriel Dessers are in impressive form and should spearhead the attack similar to the Tangerines tie. Igamane could shift down the wide and help Clement tweak the setup to his preferred 4-2-3-1.