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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Robbie Copeland

Rangers team v Alashkert predicted as Ianis Hagi and Calvin Bassey make starting case to Steven Gerrard

Rangers are back in Europa League action on Thursday as they look to take a big step towards the group stage against Armenian side Alashkert.

Steven Gerrard's team are fancied to win convincingly but it's a banana skin on which they cannot afford to slip after a ropey start to the season.

A 5-0 win over Dunfermline last time out gave the Ibrox side some welcome relief but there is still work to be done to expel the demons of their Champions League exit against Malmo.

Gerrard rotated the team heavily for that Premier Sports Cup tie and the team that runs out against Alashkert will be back to full strength.

Ryan Kent, James Tavernier and Allan McGregor will be among the returning stars while it also seems likely Alfredo Morelos will lead the line in the continued absence of Fashion Sakala.

Kemar Roofe and Ianis Hagi impressed against the Pars and while Roofe is still serving a European suspension, the latter may go into the starting XI if Gerrard goes for an attacking lineup.

Connor Goldson is undroppable so he looks a certainty to start at the back, while it seems he will be paired with Leon Balogun unless Filip Helander or Jack Simpson have done enough to win back Gerrard's trust.

The boss did admit that Calvin Bassey has given him a headache at left-back - but the experience of Borna Barisic may be the way to go for such a key game.

Predicted Rangers lineup

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