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Football

Rangers expected to use 4-4-2 against Jagiellonia Białystok
Photo: The 4th Official

Rangers expected to use 4-4-2 against Jagiellonia Białystok

Derek McInnes is expected to revert to a 4-4-2 formation as Rangers face a decisive Europa League second leg against Jagiellonia Białystok.

Rangers are expected to return to a 4-4-2 formation for their decisive Europa League encounter against Jagiellonia Białystok. The Light Blues trail 2-1 following the first leg and face dropping into the UEFA Conference League play-off round if they suffer another defeat.

New manager Derek McInnes faces increasing pressure after two consecutive losses and no wins in his tenure. The squad is currently dealing with several absences, including star striker Youssef Chermiti, who is out for a significant period with a ruptured ACL. Ben Godfrey is also unavailable for several weeks due to injury, while Tuur Rommens is sidelined with a groin problem.

Defensively, the tactical shift to a back four may see Ross McCrorie on the right and Dujon Sterling on the left. In central defense, Olwethu Makhanya is expected to partner Emmanuel Fernandez. Ivor Pandur remains the primary option in goal, having relied on his shot-stopping ability to keep the team competitive during recent away fixtures.

In midfield, the recent arrivals of Dan Neil, Cammy Devlin, and Vanja Dragojević provide new options. Devlin's high work rate and aggressive tackling make him a likely starter. Thelo Aasgaard is expected to feature on the left flank to provide tactical flexibility, while Findlay Curtis is tipped to start on the right ahead of Daisuke Yokota and Djeidi Gassama.

Up front, the absence of Chermiti places a heavy burden on the remaining attackers. Ryan Naderi is expected to lead the line, needing to prove himself in the absence of the injured striker. Lawrence Shankland also faces scrutiny to deliver the clinical finishing required to overturn the first-leg deficit.

Source: The 4th Official