Rangers kicked off their return to the UEFA Champions League in embarrassing fashion as the Scottish titans were humbled 4-0 against Ajax, and things won’t get any easier this week when Napoli come to Ibrox.
The Italian side were on the winning side of a statement 4-1 win against Liverpool, with Jurgen Klopp’s depleted side completely outplayed by Napoli in an electric Champions League affair, with Rangers now set to take on Luciano Spalletti’s high-flying team this Tuesday.
With no action this weekend due to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Ibrox is set to be cauldron of energy this week when Napoli take on Rangers, with the Scottish Premiership side no doubt fired up to claim a huge result against their Group A Champions League rivals.
However, who would make it into a combined XI made up of players from both clubs? Here at HITC Sport, we take a crack ahead of Rangers’ clash against Napoli, where we will for sure see fireworks and top-quality action both on and off the pitch.
Tavernier headlines backline as Meret starts with Kim & Rrahmani
Given Rangers’ last two games have seen Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side concede eight goals against Ajax and Celtic, it makes sense why no centre-backs from the Bears feature in our combined XI, with Alex Meret also starting in goal as the Italian keeper has finally established himself as Napoli’s no. 1 shot-stopper.
Whilst Rangers’ defensive antics have been well-below par in recent weeks, club-captain James Tavernier and Borna Barisic still make the combined XI given how impressive the pair have performed in the opening stages of the season, with the English right-back no doubt set for a breakout performance at some stage in the Champions League.
Completing the backline are Napoli centre-backs Amir Rrahmani and Kim-min Jae, with the latter beginning life in Italy in superb fashion after being signed by Spalletti as a replacement for Kalidou Koulibaly, who is yet to settle at Chelsea since moving to the Premier League.
Zielinski stars alongside Lobotka with Lawrence Rangers’ only midfield pick
Just like Rangers’ defence, the central midfield has left little to be desired in recent weeks after two massive defeats, and with Napoli pair Piotr Zielinski and Stanislav Lobotka shining against Liverpool in the Champions League, the duo of course make it into this combined XI.
The Polish international was arguably the star of the show for Napoli in their 4-1 win against Liverpool, with Zielinksi bagging a brace and an assist in a commanding performance from the midfielder, with Lobotka anchoring the midfield well and quelling the Reds’ attack well.
Whilst Rangers’ midfield and defence have been poor, Tom Lawrence has impressed for the Glasgow giants this season since arriving from Derby County, with the Wales international proving to be a versatile and effective member of the first-team squad, with the 28-year-old bagging three goals and two assists in all competitions.
Napoli sensation Kvaratskhelia features in attack with Kent & Osimhen
It would be something of an understatement to claim that Rangers would not be in the Champions League had it not been for the performances of Ryan Kent, who has established himself as arguably the best winger in Scotland and a player who good soon be thriving in the Premier League if reports are to be believed.
Whilst the former Liverpool academy star has thrived for Rangers, Napoli’s new summer signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been nothing short of incredible for the Serie A giants, with the Georgian International already on four goals and an assist in all competitions.
To wrap up the XI is of course Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who if fit, could give Rangers one heck of a challenge at Ibrox, with the striker regarded as one of the best in Europe and one who Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing, if they can match Aurelio De Laurentiis’ outrageous €100m (£85m) price tag for the Nigerian.
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