Rangers predicted XI vs Benfica: Philippe Clement handed major fitness boost for next challenge as key man return

Rangers predicted XI vs Benfica: Philippe Clement handed major fitness boost for next challenge as key man return

Gers are in Lisbon for one of the most important games of their season thus far, as the Europa League last 16 begins against Benfica.

The opening leg at the Estadio da Luz will be a difficult test for Philippe Clement’s side,

as they face a club that has lost only two of their last 24 games across all competitions.

However, those two defeats occurred in their previous two games against Sporting CP and Porto.

So it will either be a good or a disastrous time to play the Portuguese giants, because their fans will be looking for a convincing answer.

Rangers’ team news is that Clement has an injury-ravaged group from which to select his starting XI as of tonight.

As the club were loosening away from their injury problems, the issues have reared its ugly head again.

Seven first-team players from the Europa League knockout round roster may be unavailable for the Benfica match.

Abdallah Sima, Rabbi Matondo, Todd Cantwell, Kieran Dowell, and Danilo are all out.

While Ross McCausland is doubtful, Scott Wright is thought to be hurt based on Clement’s press conference on Wednesday.

Clement is in the midst of a winger issue, and it appears that the only answer is to put Dujon Sterling and Fabio Silva out wide in Lisbon.

Fabio Silva to occupy the left wing.

Clement has no other option if Ross McCausland is declared unavailable.

The youngster is definitely attempting to recuperate swiftly from the horrific tackle he suffered against Motherwell on Saturday.

The manager said McCausland had trained on his own but is doubtful for tonight.

Fabio Silva has recently been used off the left flank, which is not ideal.

There should be few other changes elsewhere. Ridvan Yilmaz and Mohamed Diomande are likely to make their first starts in the Europa League this season.

Tom Lawrence should play attacking midfield behind Cyriel Dessers,

who has one goal and one assist in the Europa League this season [FotMob].

Here’s our Rangers predicted XI for the opening leg of the last 16 against Benfica,

as the Ibrox side looks to maintain their impressive record in the competition tonight evening.

Rangers predicted XI vs Benfica

GK – Jack Butland

RB – James Tavernier

CB – Connor Goldson

CB – John Souttar

LB – Ridvan Yilmaz

CM – John Lundstram

CM – Mohamed Diomande

RM – Dujon Sterling

LM – Fabio Silva

CAM – Tom Lawrence

ST – Cyriel Dessers

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