Steven Gerrard takes charge of his first competitive Rangers fixture on Thursday.
It is the moment all Rangers fans have been waiting for. Steven Gerrard finally makes his competitive bow at Ibrox on Thursday evening, as the Gers play host to Macedonian side FK Shkupi.
The 38-year-old begins his three-year tenure at Ibrox in the first qualifying round of the Europa League with a home tie against Shkupi, before travelling to Macedonia to face the same side just seven days after the first leg.
After watching his side annihilate English League Two side Bury 6-0 on Friday, Gerrard has plenty of decisions to make when it comes to picking his side after bringing in seven new players – and more are expected.
The Daily Record claims that number could rise to nine before Thursday’s clash, with loan deals expected to be sealed for Rangers target man Umar Sadiq and Angers playmaker Lassana Coulibaly.
But with those deals yet to be completed, Gerrard is likely to pick a side from the remainder of the squad and the win over Bury gives the biggest clue as to how the Gers will line-up – and indeed who will start.
Gerrard adopted a 4-3-3 formation on Friday that saw Josh Windass play from the flank and Ross McCrorie start at the base of the midfield and he is likely to adopt such a system once again.
Indeed, six new signings could start the match, in goalkeeper Allan McGregor, defenders Jon Flanagan, Nikola Katic and Connor Goldson and midfielders Jamie Murphy and Scott Arfield – the latter scoring twice in the 6-0 win.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
