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Sadiq and Kent to start – Strongest 4-3-3 Rangers XI to face Wigan Athletic

Predicted Rangers line-up to face Wigan Athletic in pre-season friendly

With just over a week left for the 2018/19 Scottish Premiership season to kick off, Rangers will continue their preparations for the new campaign with a friendly game against English side Wigan Athletic.  

The Gers have had a solid, if not spectacular, start to life under the new management of Steven Gerrard. The Light Blues have advanced to the second round of the UEFA Europa League qualifying stages and having beaten NK Osijek 1-0 in the first leg earlier this week, they stand a good chance of making it to the next round.  

Under the former Liverpool superstar, Rangers haven’t conceded a single goal so far in any of their pre-season friendlies or the European encounters and will be hoping to perform well against Wigan on Sunday.  

Ahead of the game, let’s take a look at how Gerrard might set his team out against the Latics this weekend.

Probable Rangers XI

Manager: Steven Gerrard 

Formation: 4-3-3 

Allan McGregor (GK) 

The 36-year-old has made an instant impact upon returning to the Ibrox this summer and should hold on to his spot between the sticks on Sunday.

James Tavernier (RB) 

The club captain has been solid in pre-season so far and will be hoping to continue on the same note against the Latics this weekend.  

Connor Goldson (CB) 

Since arriving from Brighton & Hove Albion, the Englishman has been a revelation. Commanding and composed at the back, he should be a definite starter for the Gers.

James Tavernier

Nikola Katic (CB) 

Another summer arrival, the 21-year-old is growing in confidence with each passing game. Seems to have struck up a good understanding with Goldson and will look to help his team to another clean sheet. 

Declan John (LB) 

Having not featured so far due to a back injury, the Welsh international is fit again and should get a run-out in place of Jon Flanagan.  

Lassana Coulibaly (CM) 

Having only arrived at the club recently, the midfielder started against Osijek, but showed signs of rust. It is important for him to get minutes under his belt and as a result, he is likely to start on Sunday.

Ryan Jack

Ross McCrorie (DM) 

The promising Scotsman did not start the midweek game against Osijek but is likely to return to the starting XI in the defensive anchor role.    

Ryan Jack (CM) 

The Scottish midfielder has been one of the strongest performers for Rangers in the past few games. Should be retained in the middle of the park. 

Glenn Middleton (RW) 

The 18-year-old has been the real deal in his handful of first-team appearances for the Gers so far. Should get a chance to make further impression before the Premiership kicks off.  

Umar Sadiq

Umar Sadiq (ST)

With the manager hinting that the on-loan AS Roma man is in line to make his debut this weekend, expect last match’s hero Alfredo Morelos to get a breather.

Ryan Kent (LW) 

The on-loan Liverpool winger is another player who is in need of game-time before the season kicks off. Started on Thursday and showed glimpses of his potential. Should be backed to come good against Wigan.