Bajrami and Igamane start, new look front line and 2 possible debuts - the refreshed Rangers team to face Dundee

-Credit: (Image: SNS Group)
-Credit: (Image: SNS Group)


Philippe Clement knows first-hand the importance of the Premier Sports Cup - so is unlikely to rotate too much for the visit of Dundee.

But as fan clamour grows for greater involvement from new signings Hamza Igamane and Nedim Bajrami, it could be a refreshed Rangers team that returns to Ibrox. Clement got things back on track to an extent with a routine-if-slightly-nervy 1-0 win at Dundee United last weekend and now it's about setting up a trip to Hampden for the first major semi-final of the season. Tony Docherty's team have proved stubborn opposition in the past but Rangers will be determined to put on a show for their fans, on actual home turf for the first time this season.

As far as injuries go, it's more of the same for Clement who said at his press address: "Same as last week - Ridvan, Danilo and Matondo miss out. Ridvan and Danilo are individually training. Matondo is not back yet. The rest of the squad is available for selection."

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Both Igamane and Bajrami are yet to start in light blue but the boss did hint at a possible start for Igamane after the reaction he got at Tannadice. "You could see the reaction to Hamza last week," Clement said. "My job is to remain stable in a club in a rebuild, and to create an environment to work away from the noise."

So what does that mean for the possible lineup?

Predicted Rangers lineup

The possibility of debuts for Liam Kelly and Neraysho Kasanwirjo shouldn't be entirely ruled out here, the latter possibly coming from the bench. But it's unlikely the boss will want to upset the apple cart too much given how much a possible League Cup win means to the fans. With that in mind, it's likely to be the 'first' back line from the start, with changes coming further up the pitch.

Possible Rangers lineup to face Hearts
Possible Rangers lineup to face Hearts

Cyriel Dessers seems likely to lead the line but the three in behind him could be any three from six. Tom Lawrence was the matchwinner at Tannadice so could have earned his start, and while Igamane was brought on to replace Dessers in that one, he joined him in the forward line in his cameo against Celtic. Bajrami meanwhile has been signed as a No.10 and could get the chance to show why here.