Rangers expected 4-5-1 v Progres: Four players handed debuts in experimental squad
By Danny Wright
Rangers are expected to hand four players their debuts against Luxembourg’s Progres Niederkorn in the first qualifying round of the Europa League at Ibrox on Thursday night.
It has been a very busy time for Pedro Caixinha in recent weeks, as he has signed a staggering eight players since last season ended.
Ryan Jack, Carlos Pena, Daniel Candeias and Alfredo Morelos are all expected to be given their first taste of football playing for the Light Blues after completing moves to Ibrox.
Caixinha may opt to experiment with his starting line-up as they take on a relatively weak Luxembourg club and could name some of the younger players that played so well last season in his 4-5-1 formation.
Wes Foderingham is one of few players to impress Caixinha last term so is expected to keep his place between the sticks behind a familiar back four of James Tavernier, Danny Wilson, David Bates and Myles Beerman.
Ex-Aberdeen captain Jack could line up for his debut alongside Jason Holt in the centre of midfield with new arrival Carlos Pena lining up in the attacking midfield slot.
Candeias is likely to start on the right flank with former Leicester youngster Joe Dodoo on the left amid reports that Barrie McKay is currently training with the development squad.
Morelos has been in hot form for his old employers HJK Helsinki as of late and is expected to be fully match fit and could lead the line for the Light Blues.
Bruno Alves is definitely out of the match as he is currently with the Portugual squad for the Confederations Cup while Dalcio, Eduardo Herrera and Fabio Cardoso could find themselves on the bench as Caixinha aims to ease his new recruits into Scottish football.
Proges are one of four Luxembourg clubs in the first qualifying round of the Europa League this week.
They finished fourth in the top division and are 440th in the UEFA club rankings, well below the lowest Scottish team which is Inverness in 290th.
In other Rangers news, Chris Sutton has brutally put down this Gers midfielder on Twitter.
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