Euan Robertson 

It will be a nervy encounter in Geneva tonight after Rangers failed to capitalise on their man advantage in the final half hour against Servette last week. The Swiss side will try to emulate Rangers’ fast start at Ibrox and it’s important that Michael Beale’s side withstand early pressure to establish a foothold in the game. 

There’s no question that Jack Butland will start in goal and another clean sheet would ensure progression to the play-off round. James Tavernier will lead Rangers out and Borna Barisic will continue at left-back after some encouraging performances so far this season. Barisic’s game is limited at times, and he often struggles defensively, but he’s provided two important assists in the last two games. Dujon Sterling possesses the ability to challenge both players for a starting berth but he’s still building up to full match fitness after a disrupted pre-season. 

Leon Balogun impressed against Livingston and showcased why he can provide reliable cover at centre-back, but Connor Goldson will return. Goldson was rested on Saturday and he will partner John Souttar at the heart of defence. Goldson and Souttar form Rangers’ best partnership in defence and their understanding will only improve from playing more regularly together. 

Jose Cifuentes made a promising full debut against Livi, but I’d expect Ryan Jack to start against Servette. Jack’s experience and game management could be pivotal and he was rested on Saturday with this game in mind. Nicolas Raskin and Todd Cantwell are two integral players and the latter should be fit to start, despite nursing a slight thigh injury. 

The onus will be on Servette to attack Rangers and that should leave space in behind their defence. Abdallah Sima and Rabbi Matondo made significant impacts after their introductions against Livingston and Sima’s electric pace could be the key to exploiting the space. Cyriel Dessers has struggled recently and he could drop out with Danilo leading the line and Sam Lammers completing a flexible attacking trio.

Rangers XI: Butland, Tavernier, Goldson, Souttar, Barisic, Jack, Raskin, Cantwell, Sima, Lammers, Danilo.

Joshua Barrie

Rangers travel to Geneva with a lead to protect but on the basis of last week’s match, there’ll be space for Beale’s team to attack. I’d expect Rangers to spend a little less time on the ball but chase goals rather than sitting on a lead. 

Jack Butland earned his first clean sheet at the weekend, making a couple of decent stops from range. Expect Connor Goldson to come back into the defence ahead of Butland, presumably partnered by John Souttar. Souttar’s injury history makes four games in 10 days seems risky - but it perhaps signifies that the Scotland international’s issues are becoming more memory than reality, with a man of the match performance at the weekend. Dujon Sterling still waits on his first start at the club, but expect Borna Barisic to play at left-back as Beale opts for continuity in such a vital game.

Ryan Jack was rested at the weekend and therefore, should come back in to provide extra balance in the midfield. Servette will try and overload the last line, getting four players up against Rangers’ defence, so Jack holds an important role in making up the extra man in this scenario. Todd Cantwell passed a fitness test to play at the weekend but with Morton the opposition on Saturday, his involvement will be prioritised in this one. The last couple weeks have demonstrated that he makes this team tick in all aspects. Nico Raskin should make up the midfield despite Jose Cifuentes’ impressive debut against Livingston. 

There’s an argument that the front three should remain unchanged, to work on the relationships that clearly still need formed. Abdallah Sima from the start could make sense, to provide pace in the multiple transitions this game will throw up. Danilo should start after his goal in a more central location with Sam Lammers making up the numbers.

Rangers XI: Butland, Tavernier, Goldson, Souttar, Barisic, Jack, Raskin, Cantwell, Sima, Lammers, Danilo.