McCausland To Start? | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Dundee United | OneFootball

Despite punching above the weight at Old Trafford, injury-ravaged Rangers suffered a stoppage-time heartbreak against Manchester United. While they are likely to secure a knockout phase playoff spot irrespective of their final group phase encounter with Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, the Light Blues must regroup themselves for a tricky trip to Tannadice Park to clash heads with Dundee United.

The Tangerines, currently third in the Premiership standings, are enjoying a scintillating league run. They held Celtic to a stalemate in December and could now upset the Gers on Sunday lunchtime given the latter’s dreadful away form. The Gers only avoided a home defeat when Vaclav Cerny found an equalizer midway through the second half, but a narrow 1-0 win at Tannadice early into the season must boost their confidence irrespective of form and fitness concerns.

Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Dundee United

Defence

Back between the sticks, Jack Butland conceded an owl goal against the Red Devils. However, he is expected to retain his ‘number 1’ status even though Liam Kelly had a good run of games during the Englishman’s injury absence.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JANUARY 23: Ridvan Yilmaz of Rangers FC takes a shot under pressure from Leny Yoro of Manchester United during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between Manchester United and Rangers FC at Old Trafford on January 23, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Leon Balogun, although returned for a few days, is injured again. But the rise of Clinton Nsiala has relieved Philippe Clement who would rely on the young Frenchman to partner with Robin Propper in the heart of the backline. Skipper James Tavernier should continue as the right fullback, and the Belgian boss might opt for a rotation on the left by deploying Ridvan Yilmaz over Jefte. Neraysho Kasanwirjo, Dujon Sterling and John Souttar have yet to recover from their injuries, but we could see the January signing Rafael Fernandes make the matchday squad.

Midfield

Mohamed Diomande was suspended in Europe but should return to the starting XI for the Tangerines tie. Nicolas Raskin must keep his place thus forming a double pivot’ alongside the Ivorian. Connor Barron might undergo a spell on the sidelines after damaging his knee against Man United.

Vaclav Cerny, too, sustained an injury on Thursday night. He now joins Oscar Cortes and Danilo on the treatment table. Rabbi Matondo, who is no longer in the manager’s plans, is tipped to part ways in the coming days. The limitations in and around the attacking third could see Ross McCausland secure a spot down the right-hand flank. Ianis Hagi might feature from the left and the ‘number 10’ role belongs to Nedim Bajrami for the time being until Lawrence is fit enough to start games.

Attack

Despite falling down the pecking order behind Hamza Igamane, Cyriel Dessers has scored in their past three fixtures across competitions. The Nigerian could again be involved as a ‘super sub’ considering the Moroccan’s rise as an outright ‘number 9’.