Rangers face a do-or-die Europa League qualifier at Ibrox tonight, needing to overturn a 2-1 first leg deficit against Polish side Jagiellonia Bialystok. Manager Derek McInnes has just four defensive options available, and the pressure is on to avoid dropping into the Conference League.
Defensive crisis and injury blow
McInnes is dealing with a defensive shortage, with Tuur Rommens ruled out for up to eight weeks with a groin issue. Dujon Sterling is expected to replace him, with Ross McCrorie at right back and Emmanuel Fernandez and Olwethu Makhanya completing the back line.
The injury to Youssef Chermiti is a major setback, with the Portuguese striker looking set to miss the season. Record Sport revealed that Venezuelan forward Kevin Kelsy is being considered as a replacement for the former Everton man.
Shankland to lead the line
In the short term, Lawrence Shankland is likely to get the chance to play as an out-and-out striker, offering him an opportunity to score confidence-boosting goals. The striker has been named captain but has had a slow start to his Ibrox career.
Vanja Dragojevic, who was deployed as a makeshift right back and conceded a penalty against Hibs, is expected to move into midfield alongside Nico Raskin.
Predicted Rangers XI
Pandur; McCrorie, Makhanya, Fernandez, Sterling; Dragojevic, Raskin; Yokota, Aasgaard, Gassama; Shankland.
