Clement To Make Changes? | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Aberdeen | OneFootball

Despite a 3-1 victory against bottom-placed St Johnstone, Rangers have massively underperformed on the road. While there is hardly any chance of conquering the Premiership crown given a 15-point gap with league leaders Celtic, three points against Aberdeen on Wednesday night would script revenge for October’s 2-1 defeat at Pittodrie.

The Dons made a blistering start and were neck and neck with the Hoops in the title hunt. However, they lost momentum in recent months and have now slipped to fourth in the standings. The Light Blues are once again heading towards a second-place finish and the pressure must be mounting on Philippe Clement who has failed to live up to expectations even after a summer rebuild.

Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Aberdeen

Defence

Jack Butland remains sidelined with a leg injury. Liam Kelly, who waited for months to grab minutes between the sticks, is finally enjoying a run of games amid the Englishman’s absence in the last line of defence.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JANUARY 12: Nicolas Raskin of Rangers vies with Nicky Clark of St Johnstone during the William Hill Premiership match between Rangers FC and St. Johnstone FC at Ibrox Stadium on January 12, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

A host of first-team defenders are out due to long-term injuries. Summer signings Robin Propper and Clinton Nsiala must continue as the central defensive pairing with Leon Balogun, John Souttar, Neraysho Kasanwirjo and Dujon Sterling still nursing their respective injuries. Skipper James Tavernier is also unavailable and the gaffer, therefore, has deployed Ridvan Yilmaz as a makeshift right-back. Jefte must keep his place down the left, thanks to his defensive duties and attacking prowess.

Midfield

Rangers have ample depth deep down the midfield. Although Connor Barron was a regular in the initial months, the former Aberdeen prodigy has lost his spot to fit-again Nicolas Raskin. Mohamed Diomande exhibited his mastery against the Saints by setting it up for Hamza Igamane and then finding the net himself to make it 3-0 early into the game. Raskin and Diomande have restored stability in the centre of the pitch as they are not only marshalling the backline but also contributing to attacking transitions as the ‘double pivot’. Barron, as well as Kieran Dowell, could be involved as second-half substitutes.

Vaclav Cerny has been a revelation down the right-hand flank. Ianis Hagi has regained his starting status and is expected to operate from the left ahead of Rabbi Matondo, Oscar Cortes and Ross McCausland. Danilo was handed a start as a ‘number 10’ against St Johnstone and his creative spark in and around the attacking third could see him getting the nod over Nedim Bajrami. Tom Lawrence is still ruled out with another frustrating injury concern.

Attack

Hamza Igamane has been exquisite as a ‘number 9’ and his blistering scoring streak has earned him a first-team status over Cyriel Dessers.