Benfica at Rangers: 21-year-old forced out of position in the starting lineup

Philippe Clement’s club will face a formidable opponent in the opening leg at the Estadio da Luz—a team that has only lost two of its previous 24 games across all competitions. But those two losses occurred in their two prior games against Porto and Sporting CP. Because of their fans’ intense need for a convincing reaction, it will either be a good or awful time to play the Portuguese giants. Regarding the Rangers and their roster news, Clement will select his starting lineup for tonight from a squad decimated by injuries. The concerns have resurfaced just when the team was beginning to get over its injury problems.

For the match against Benfica, seven first-team members of the squad from the Europa League knockout phase may be absent. Danilo, Todd Cantwell, Kieran Dowell, Rabbi Matondo, and Abdallah Sima are unquestionably out. After Clement’s press conference on Wednesday, it is expected that Scott Wright has also sustained injuries, and Ross McCausland is undoubtedly hurt. Playing Dujon Sterling andFabio Silva out wide in Lisbon appears to be Clement’s only option for solving his winger conundrum.

Fabio Silva to occupy left wing

If Ross McCausland is deemed unavailable, Clement is left with no other option. The young player is obviously attempting to heal from the horrific tackle he was the victim of on Saturday against Motherwell as soon as possible. McCausland has trained independently, according to the manager, but he is still doubtful for tonight. Although it’s not ideal, Fabio Silva has recently been used off the left.

Not too many other modifications ought to occur.This season, Ridvan Yilmaz and Mohamed Diomande are scheduled to start their debut Europa League games. After Cyriel Dessers, who has one goal and one assist in the Europa League this season, Tom Lawrence should be in the offensive midfield position [FotMob]. Here is our expected starting lineup for Rangers versus Benfica in their round of 16 first-leg match as the Ibrox team looks to maintain their incredible record in the competition tonight evening.

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