Predicted Rangers line-up to face Ufa: Four changes, Murphy misses out

Follow us on Google Discover

Rangers play host to Russian side FC Ufa on Thursday night.

Steven Gerrard’s injury problems are beginning to mount up at Rangers as the Scottish giants come within a whisker of the Europa League group stage. Only Russian outfit FC Ufa stand in their way.

The Gers have performed admirably in the European qualification phase, seeing off the likes of FK Shkupi, NK Osijek and Maribor, clocking up plenty of air miles on their trips to Macedonia, Croatia and Slovenia.

Now, only one side stand in their way from reaching the group stage. But Sky Sports have reported that Ufa might not even turn up to Ibrox, with Visas for the players proving difficult to obtain.

But the Russian Premier League side remain confident, with their flights booked for Wednesday. They are expected to train at Ibrox on Wednesday evening, and Gerrard must prepare his side like any other game.

However, the former Liverpool and England captain will be without 28-year-old Jamie Murphy who was stretchered off the field of play against Kilmarnock on Sunday. Lassana Coulibaly remains a doubt, after undergoing a scan on his thigh.

Jon Flanagan returns from suspension, but Borna Barisic is cup tied. Lee Wallace, Graham Dorrans and Jordan Rossiter are all expected to miss the clash against the Russians.

Here is how we believe Rangers will line-up against Ufa, with Gerrard making four changes that sees Allan McGregor, Ryan Kent, Ryan Jack and Flanagan start, replacing Wes Foderingham, Murphy, Andy Halliday and Barisic.