View: Clement to leave out summer signing - Rangers predicted XI v FCSB

Philippe Clement may hand Leon Balogun a rare start when Rangers host FCSB in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday 24 October.

The Gers will be determined to return to winning ways after suffering a demoralising 1-0 defeat at the hands of Kilmarnock on Sunday (20 October).

While Clement could field a strong team in an attempt to bounce back from the weekend’s disappointment, he could be forced into one change after Robin Propper appeared to pick up an injury at Rugby Park.

This could see Balogun come into the Rangers starting XI for only the third time this season.

Rangers could make one forced change for FCSB clash

Jack Butland has started in each of the Light Blues’ 14 games in all competitions this season and will remain between the sticks on Thursday.

Clement has continued to trust James Tavernier despite continued shouts to drop him and is expected to do the same against the Romanian champions. There are doubts over Dujon Sterling’s fitness after he missed the trip to Kilmarnock, but he has been playing in midfield anyway, while Neraysho Kasanwirjo continues to be used as a substitute.

Jeft has started in all but one of Rangers’ last 10 games across all competitions and is expected to keep his place at left-back. John Souttar had a disastrous game against Killie, but is likely to keep his place with Balogun possibly already coming for Propper, who appeared to pick up an injury at the weekend and eventually went off despite initially playing on.

Connor Barron returned to the lineup in place of Nicolas Raskin and is likely to partner Mohamed Diamonde in the middle of the park. No surprises are also expected further forward, with Vaclay Cerny, Tom Lawrence and Nedim Bajrami set to continue.

Clement might have changed things up had Rabbi Matondo and Oscar Cortes not been unavailable due to injuries. It also remains to be seen if Danilo will return to the matchday squad as he continues to work his way to full fitness.

With Danilo out, Hamza Igamane is Cyriel Dessers’ only competition up front. The Nigeria international failed to make an impact at Rugby Park and there is a case to be made about Igamane starting against FCSB, although Clement is likely to stick with the former.

In other Rangers news, this pundit believes Aberdeen boss Jimmy Thelin has made a mockery of Clement.

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