Ibrox View: Clement to axe 'Amazing' star – Rangers predicted starting XI v Malmo

Philippe Clement is expected to make two changes as Rangers begin their Europa League campaign against Malmo on 26 September.

Having failed to qualify for the Champions League following a 3-1 defeat to Dynamo Kyiv over two legs, the Gers begin the new league phase format of the Europa League with a trip to the Swedish champions.

Coming into this match off the back of a 3-0 Scottish League Cup quarter-final win over Dundee, Clement will be minded to drop the ineffective Dujon Sterling, while left-back Jefte is also banned.

Mohamed Diomande is well-placed to make his return to the starting side in place of utility player Sterling, while Neraysho Kasanwirjo could make his full debut.

Mohamed Diomande has to start for Rangers v Dundee

Clement will want his side to get their European campaign, in which they’ll play eight matches across the continent, off to the best possible start.

That will see the heart of the defence remain unchanged from the win over Dundee, with Jack Butland between the sticks and John Souttar partnered by Robin Propper at centre-back.

Captain James Tavernier continues to be Clement’s first choice and will keep his place at right-back, but Jefte’s ban for a controversial red card against Kyiv in their Champions League qualifier rules him out.

Kasanwirjo finally made his long-awaited Gers debut off the bench against Dundee, and with Ridvan Yilmaz still out injured, the versatile Feyenoord loanee looks likely to slot in at left-back.

Connor Barron is another player fast becoming undroppable, but after Sterling, who has been called “Amazing” by Leon King, struggled in the win over Dundee, big-money signing Diomande must be the man to come back into the Light Blues’ side.

The front four were all on song against Dundee and should keep their places too, with Nedim Bajrami impressing out wide on his first start for the club. He and Vaclav Cerny will occupy the flanks.

Tom Lawrence’s form of late is keeping high-profile Deadline Day arrival Bajrami out of his preferred number 10 role and should continue doing so until either player forces Clement into a decision.

Maligned striker Cyriel Dessers is quietly going about his business so far this season, and having netted his sixth and seventh goals of the campaign against Dundee, is the go-to pick up front for Clement.

In other Rangers news, a Premier League club owner has been urged to turn his attention to Ibrox following a rumoured investment.

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