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[Image] Strongest 4-4-1-1 Rangers XI to face Maribor in the Europa League qualifier

Predicted Rangers line-up to face Maribor in Europa League qualifier

Steven Gerrard finally made his Scottish Premiership bow as Rangers manager on Sunday but his side were denied three points against Aberdeen.

A James Tavernier penalty was cancelled out by Aberdeen’s Bruce Anderson very late in the game to leave Gerrard frustrated.

After the 1-1 draw at Aberdeen, Gerrard’s men turn their attention towards Europe where they host Maribor in the Europa League’s third qualifying round on Thursday.

Rangers are looking to cement their place in the Europa League group stages after negotiating FK Shkupi and NK Osijek in the previous rounds.

Team News

Ryan Jack is a doubt for the game against Maribor after getting injured in the 1-1 draw at Pittodrie. The midfielder, who ran the show against Aberdeen, left the stadium on a stretcher after the collision, which looked like a knock to his neck and head.

Meanwhile, Lee Wallace, Graham Dorrans, Jordan Rossiter and Declan John remain sidelined due to injury problems.

Probable Rangers XI

Formation: 4-4-1-1

Manager: Steven Gerrard

Allan McGregor (GK)

Starting in goal should be Allan McGregor, who was unable to keep a clean sheet at Aberdeen as Bruce Anderson scored a late equaliser.

James Tavernier

James Tavernier (RB)

Tavernier could be a great player if he remains focused to his job as he showed against Aberdeen. Scored the penalty and was defensively excellent throughout the game. He should start on Thursday.

Connor Goldson (CB)

Goldson was happy to take responsibility for leading the defence and hardly put a foot wrong on Sunday. Very composed with the ball at his feet. He should be in line for a start against Maribor.

Nikola Katic (CB)

Katic has been really good since joining Rangers and needs to be at his best to keep the Maribor attackers at bay.

Jon Flanagan (LB)

Though he is reliable as ever on the left-hand side of the back-four, Flanagan needs to improve his positional sense as he has the habit of getting caught out of position at times.

Lassana Coulibaly (CM)

Coulibaly is a workhorse but often commits cheap fouls. He could turn out to be a player of real significance for Gerrard this season.

Ross McCrorie (CM)

With Ryan Jack a big doubt against Maribor, McCrorie should start in his position. The youngster, who can also play in defence, possesses tactical awareness, intelligence in possession and ability to start attacks from deep.

Scott Arfield (RM)

Arfield is an industrious and tenacious player who showed his quality against Aberdeen. Due to his wealth of experience, the Canada international could be such a vital player for Rangers.

Jamie Murphy (LM)

Jamie Murphy needs to improve his overall game if he is to become a regular starter under Gerrard.

Josh Windass

Josh Windass (SS)

Windass can play in various positions across the front line but he thrives playing centrally behind the main striker.

Read more: Brilliant Jack, Poor Morelos – The best and the worst rated Rangers stars vs Aberdeen

Alfredo Morelos (ST)

It was really foolish from Morelos, who received a red card for kicking Aberdeen’s Scott McKenna. However, he could start on Thursday as Gerrard looks to put the Aberdeen result behind him.