Antman To Start? | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Genk | OneFootball

After weeks of disappointment, Rangers returned to winning ways last weekend, when they knocked Hibernian out of the League Cup by claiming a 2-0 victory. But a bigger test awaits them on Thursday night, with the Belgian heavyweights Genk set to travel to Ibrox for the opening round of the Europa League group phase encounter.

Russell Martin does not have good memories of facing a Belgian outfit, as they ended up in the Europa League following a disastrous 9-1 defeat (on aggregate over two legs) against Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League playoffs. The Gers have yet to win a Premiership fixture, and it remains to be seen whether they step up and deliver in Europe, overcoming the shambles of the past couple of months.

Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Genk

Defence

Martin opted for Jack Butland over Liam Kelly in their Cup contest. He should stick with the veteran Englishman, who remains the preferred choice across competitions.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 19: Russell Martin, manager of Rangers claps after the final whistle of the UEFA Champions League Play-offs Round First Leg match between Rangers and Club Brugge at Ibrox Stadium on August 19, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Rangers revamped their deep defence by snapping up Derek Cornelius, Nasser Djiga and Manny Fernandez. Cornelius has exhibited his quality since joining from Marseille on deadline day, and is now expected to partner with John Souttar in the heart of the backline. Max Aarons is suspended after picking up a red card in their 6-0 defeat to Club Brugge, thus leaving the gaffer with James Tavernier as the only available right fullback option. Jayden Meghoma should keep his place down the left, with no outright left-back available for selection.

Midfield

Martin finally relied on Mohamed Diomande and Nicolas Raskin as the ‘double pivot’, and the midfield duo dominated the Hibs tie with sheer composure and expertise. With Joe Rothwell being a doubt due to injury, the pair must feature over Bailey Rice or Connor Barron. Rangers do not have enough options, as they left Kieran Dowell and Nedim Bajrami out of their Europa League squad.

Thelo Aasgaard is gradually settling in as an advanced playmaker and should retain his starting status ahead of Lyall Cameron. Mikey Moore has been below par so far since replacing Oliver Antman down the wide. Despite losing his momentum, Djeidi Gassama remains irreplaceable on the left. However, the on-loan Spurs teenager might make way for the Finnish winger, who must be desperate to reclaim his first-team spot.

Attack

Rangers spent big on Youssef Chermiti, but the goal against Hibs should see Bojan Miovski spearheading their attack over Danilo, as well as the former Everton centre-forward.