Sandwiched between two high-stakes Champions League qualifiers, today’s friendly against Middlesbrough might look like a formality—but it’s anything but for Rangers. With a 2-0 lead over Panathinaikos secured on Tuesday night, this afternoon provides a chance to rest key legs, experiment with tactical tweaks, and give crucial minutes to new arrivals and fringe players.
Here’s how we see it shaping up.
Team That Beat Panathinaikos
Butland, Tavernier, Souttar, Djiga, Aarons, Rothwell (Bajrami 85), Raskin, Diomande, Dowell (Igamane 73), Curtis (Gassama 73), Danilo (Dessers 73)
It was a composed second-half display, capped by two wonder goals from Findlay Curtis and Djeidi Gassama—but the focus today is on rotation and rhythm.
Defence: A Chance to Test the Balance
Jack Butland should keep his spot in goal, offering some continuity behind a rotated backline.
We’d like to see Max Aarons moved back to his natural right-back position, where he looked far more comfortable during Tuesday’s match, especially when involved in the build-up to the second goal. That shift would allow Jefte to come in at left-back—a position still up for grabs as the Brazilian pushes for more minutes this season.
At centre-back, Souttar and Djiga need more time to form a proper partnership. There were a couple of miscommunications midweek, so letting them build chemistry makes sense. That said, expect Emmanuel Fernandez to feature at some point.
Midfield: Rothwell to Orchestrate?
Joe Rothwell impressed with his composure and set-piece delivery in the European tie and is likely to anchor midfield again today. With Diomande and Raskin relatively settled, we may see some rotation here—particularly with Lyall Cameron and Connor Barron both lacking minutes. It’s important Martin gives both a fair shot, especially with more games piling up in August.
Wings: Curtis & Gassama a Growing Threat
Findlay Curtis is the talk of Govan after a man-of-the-match performance against Panathinaikos, and we can’t see Martin benching him. He’s young, full of confidence, and in need of minutes at this level—he simply has to start.
Djeidi Gassama, meanwhile, looks best down the right but has the flexibility to operate anywhere across the front three. Giving him a full 90 (or at least a strong 60) would help bed him into this new system.
With ongoing transfer rumours swirling around the wide positions, this match could further clarify where Rangers still need to strengthen.
Up Front: Time for Igamane to Lead the Line?
Danilo didn’t quite grasp the opportunity midweek, so we’re hoping Hamza Igamane gets the nod up front today. His technical quality, hold-up play, and composure were all on show in a short cameo—and with no danger of losing him before next Tuesday, giving him a proper run-out seems like a no-brainer.
Other Notes: Aasgaard Absence and Transfer Musings
There had been hopes of seeing Thelo Aasgaard today, but with the youngster missing a couple of training sessions this week, his involvement looks unlikely. The staff will surely be pushing to have him ready for the second leg in Athens.
And as for the transfer window… the ideal scenario come deadline day would see a front three of Gassama, Rak-Sakyi and Igamane. That might be optimistic—especially if the club decides to cash in on Igamane—but it’s clear Rangers are targeting a right winger, left-back and centre-back as minimum business. Add a left winger, striker and backup goalkeeper to the wishlist and you’ve got a full-scale rebuild.
Ambitious? Yes. Impossible? Maybe not.
Rangers Predicted Starting XI vs Middlesbrough
Goalkeeper:
Jack Butland
Defence:
Max Aarons
John Souttar
Nasser Djiga
Jefte
Midfield:
Joe Rothwell
Nicolas Raskin
Lyall Cameron
Attack:
Djeidi Gassama
Findlay Curtis
Hamza Igamane
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