Rangers are 90 minutes away from a place in the Europa League group stage for the fourth season in a row – and the Light Blues starting XI is going to look a little bit different tonight when they face Alashkert after the Gers were hit by a string of positive Covid tests.
Steven Gerrard has been forced to remain at home with a number of senior players – including Allan McGregor, Jon McLaughlin, Ryan Kent Calvin Bassey and James Tavernier – all remaining in Scotland as Rangers look to capitalise on their 1-0 aggregate lead from the first leg.
Jay Hogarth, Alex Lowry, Arron Lyall, Kyle McClelland and Cole McKinnon are among those who have travelled with the squad to Armenia but there is still plenty of experience that should see Rangers name a strong starting XI.
Robby McCrorie will make his first competitive appearance for Rangers with fellow Academy graduate Nathan Patterson replacing Tavernier at right-back.
Alongside Patterson in defence Connor Goldson, Fil Helander and Borna Barisic should all make the side – with Leon Balogun and Calvin Bassey making way.
The return of Glen Kamara from suspension will almost certainly see the Finn replace John Lundstram in the centre of midfield – with veteran duo Scott Arfield and Steven Davis partnering Kamara and looking to take control of the game.
Kemar Roofe’s suspension, coupled with the absence of Ryan Kent, Scott Wright and Jermain Defoe leaves Gerrard few options in attack – although given the lack of available forwards, Cedric Itten should still find himself on the bench.
Creative duo Joe Aribo and Ianis Hagi will be tasked with providing the chances for Alfredo Morelos to add to his 25 European goals for Rangers and fire the Light Blues into the draw for the group stage.
Rangers predicted XI v Alashkert: McCrorie; Patterson, Goldson, Helander, Barisic; Davis, Arfield, Kamara; Aribo, Hagi, Morelos
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