Predicted Rangers XI as Michael Beale has punchline up his sleeve to leave the joke on Real Betis

21.09.2023 - 06:29 dailyrecord.co.uk

It could be a case of a Scotsman, an Englishman and a Welshman walking into the Rangers midfield with the aim to leave Real Betis smarting.

With Todd Cantwell and Nico Raskin on the sidelines it appears a live option for Michael Beale is to plump with the tried and tested against Manuel Pellegrini despite the temptation to reintroduce Jose Cifuentes into the heart of the action.

The Ecuador international was viewed as a signing to take Rangers up a level but, perhaps, Beale may view him as a long-term option for these occasions.

And that could lead to a trio of John Lundstram, Tom Lawrence and Ryan Jack. Lundstram is never better than on these European nights and Welshman Lawrence appears primed to pick up where he left off before his season-ending injury last year. Record Sport runs the rule over how Rangers could start their Europa League group stage opener at Ibrox. GOALKEEPERS: Jack Butland, Robby McCrorie, Kieran Wright DEFENDERS: James Tavernier, John Souttar, Connor Goldson, Dujon Sterling, Ben Davies, Borna BarisicMIDFIELDERS: John Lundstram, Ryan Jack, Jose Cifuentes, Tom Lawrence FORWARDS: Cyriel Dessers, Sam Lammers, Rabbi Matondo, Abdallah Sima, Scott Wright, Kemar Roofe

Sporting Rangers Testing record stage UPS on as Scott Wright Manuel Pellegrini Jack Butland James Tavernier John Lundstram Tom Lawrence Connor Goldson Ryan Jack John Souttar Michael Beale Robby Maccrorie Sam Lammers Ecuador

Michael Beale never used his best Rangers XI before he got the sack – and didn't help himself by refusing to unleash Sam Lammers in his best position.

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