Predicted Rangers Lineup For Next Season
Second-guessing Rangers boss Pedro Caixinha and predicting who will line-up for the Gers next season is a difficult task. Keeping new arrivals to a minimum in this case though, we can have a reasonable crack at previewing who is trusted and in what position.
We have included few transfer targets and current first team stars, considering the probability of each player staying and arriving at the club.
Possible Rangers XI For Next Season:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Pedro Caixinha
GK – Wes Foderingham
Although not the greatest ‘keeper the Rangers faithful have ever witnessed, Foderingham has been largely reliable and at 26 can only get better at this level.
RB – Callum Paterson
The Hearts right-back and midfielder is a key summer target. Despite some excellent attacking performances in the Championship and being a crowd favourite, James Tavernier doesn’t seem to be favoured by Caixinha and him conceding a penalty at a crucial stage in the Scottish Cup semi-final most likely didn’t go down well. Paterson would be an excellent replacement and would provide much needed attacking impetus at the right-back position.
CB – David Bates
For a while now, Rangers have needed to improve defensively. With a new right-back in, there may be less need to change things centrally and in Bates’ case, he is only 20-years-old and is improving fast. The former Raith Rovers man has only been in the team 3 times in the league, winning 2 and drawing the other without conceding a goal.
CB – Danny Wilson
It will not be forgotten by Caixinha that Wilson was so well thought of as a young player in his first spell at the club that he was bought by Liverpool. Although that didn’t work out and his career slowed right down, it did not permanently delete his talent and he can still become a Rangers stalwart.
LB – Lee Wallace
The skipper has been so influential and will not be replaced just yet. His marauding runs down the left will be a regular sight again next season.
CM – Jason Holt
Quietly going about his business, Holt has been important in the Rangers midfield and may yet find himself with a rather classy partner to learn from.
CM – Graham Dorrans
A potential signing from Norwich and a massive one at that. Dorrans has, even by the standards set in England, is Premier League quality and would single-handedly help Rangers close the gap on Celtic should he arrive.
RW – Joe Dodoo
Last summer’s signing from Leicester City has pace and talent but is somewhat raw. He is not the finished article just yet and as such has been limited to just 16 Premiership games. However, in that time, he has scored 3 goals and assisted 2 and could well come into his own next term.
CAM – Martyn Waghorn
His form has taken a dip since promotion, though he has been troubled by various fitness issues. At 27, age is not a problem and given his history south of the border, the talent is definitely there. It would be no surprise to see Caixinha spend considerable time on Waghorn’s fitness over the summer and he could yet be a star in this division.
LW – Barrie McKay
Although he has been in and out of the side since Caixinha’s appointment, McKay retains plenty of ability and most importantly – potential. He will learn plenty over the summer and remains one of Rangers’ best prospects in the longer term.
ST – Kenny Miller
The 37-year-old’s experience has been vital this season. With no guarantee of finding a top level no.9 in time for next season at the right price, Miller may start there again and will not let anyone down.