Ferguson To Make Changes? | Predicted 4-3-3 Rangers Lineup To Face Kilmarnock | OneFootball

After a shocking home defeat against St Mirren, Philippe Clement has been relieved from his managerial duties ahead of the Light Blues’ trip to East Ayrshire. Barry Ferguson is now appointed interim chief, and the former Rangers skipper will look to uplift the team’s spirits even though the title race is all but over, with Celtic maintaining a 13-point lead at the top of the Premiership standings.

Killie are struggling at the wrong end of the table but have troubled the Gers at Rugby Park in the recent past. Marley Watkins’ late winner sealed all three points for Derek McInnes’ men when they clashed heads earlier this season. Despite Rangers‘ 6-0 revenge at Ibrox, they won’t find it easy on Wednesday night given the ongoing conundrum both on and off the field.

Predicted 4-3-3 Rangers Lineup To Face Kilmarnock

Defence

Jack Butland must be frustrated after his side’s dreadful defensive display against the Buddies. But he is expected to keep his place in the last line of defence over Liam Kelly.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – DECEMBER 04: Václav Černý of Rangers scores his team’s fourth goal during the William Hill Premiership match between Rangers FC and Kilmarnock FC at Ibrox Stadium on December 04, 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Since his heroics against Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in the Europa League, skipper James Tavernier has been below-par on the right. Injuries to John Souttar, Neraysho Kasanwirjo and Leon Balogun decimate the Gers in the heart of the backline, and the manager might bring in Rafael Fernandes to partner with Robin Propper. The Lille loanee has hardly been involved since joining them last month and could replace Clinton Nsiala who has done an incredible job after being promoted from the reserves. Jefte has shown balance between defence and attack, and therefore, should feature from the left ahead of Ridvan Yilmaz.

Midfield

Clement’s ‘double pivot’ has not worked out deep down the midfield and the new boss needs to make some formation tweaks in the centre of the pitch. He must deploy Nicolas Raskin as the ‘number six’ amid the injury absence of Connor Barron. Mohamed Diomande fits in better as a box-to-box midfielder, and the veteran Tom Lawrence could leave more impact from the ‘number 8’ spot.

Attack

Vaclav Cerny has been the only consistent attacking outlet with regular goals and assists from the right-hand flank. Ianis Hagi has cemented his place on the left and the Romanian is likely to start ahead of Nedim Bajrami, Ross McCausland and fit-again Danilo. Hamza Igamane should feature as an outright ‘number 9’ considering the young Moroccan’s flexibility, skills and sharpness compared to Cyriel Dessers.