Is this how Rangers will line-up for Champions League qualifier without Ryan Kent?
Defeating Livingston with a second-half comeback has given the manager even more food for thought when it comes to lining up a side to take on the Belgian surprise package.
The Union, Jupiler League runners-up to Club Brugge last season on their return to their domestic top flight, maintain an element of last season’s style under new manager Karel Geraerts. They lined up with a 3-5-2 formation to defeat RSC Chaleroi on Friday night and have enjoyed a strong pre-season – including a 4-0 win over van Bronckhorst’s old side, Feyenoord.
The Dutchman has faced similar systems before, and used the formation himself in Europe last season and has many options of his own following Rangers’ seven-strong recruitment drive this summer.
Jon McLaughlin was given the gloves for the Premiership kick-off, however Allan McGregor still has designs on the position and could yet be restored for European games, or on a rotation basis. That is one dilemma, however positive ones were created for the Rangers manager in west Lothian too.
Scott Arfield inspired Rangers’ comeback with an intelligent run and glancing header to equalise on Saturday and fellow substitute Malik Tillman also impressed in the second half, won by James Tavernier’s sweeping free-kick.
Both substitutes could come into contention, as could Rabbi Matondo and Ridvan Yilmaz who missed the match. Even Alfredo Morelos holds an outside chance of selection after his injury lay-off and suddenly Rangers’ starting line-up in Belgium could take a much stronger complexion than that which failed to ignite during the first half in Livingston.
They eventually got the job done and van Bronckhorst will be seeking an improved performance, and winning outcome to the tricky tie as they target their new European ambitions with qualification for the group stage.
Here is how the Dutchman could line-up for Tuesday night’s game in Leuven – moved from Saint-Gilloise’s Brussels home. Kick off is 7.45pm.
1. GK - Jon McLaughlin
It remains to be seen how van Bronckhorst will play his two goalkeepers this season but, in the sense of continuity, McLaughlin may keep his place. It's still a very close call though which will become clearer over the coming weeks. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group
2. DR - James Tavernier
Dropping the captain is almost as unthinkable as him needing a rest. Picked up where he left off with the winner against Livingston and Rangers' dependable right-sided defender/attacker/talisman an leader will certainly be in Belgium. Photo: Rob Casey - SNS Group
3. DL - Borna Barisic
May find his position under threat with the arrival of Ridvan Yilmaz, but Barisic has the jersey and it is - at present - his to lose. Yilmaz's lack of time and cohesion with the squad means he's unlikely to be pitched in from the start of such a crucial qualifier, but later this season, who knows? Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
4. CB - Connor Goldson
No show without Punch as they say and Goldson stayed on at Ibrox and signed a contract extension for opportunities like this. Another certainty to be involved. Photo: Rob Casey - SNS Group