Gassama To Start? | Predicted 4-3-3 Rangers Lineup To Face Panathinaikos | OneFootball

Rangers are not done yet this summer in terms of transfer business. But a crucial test awaits them on Tuesday night, as they are set to host the Greek giants Panathinaikos FC in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round.

Russell Martin has recruited several new names, but he must reconstruct the forward line, having lost some first-team regulars by the end of the previous campaign. The exit rumours of Hamza Igamane and Cyriel Dessers could decimate them further in the coming days, yet the gaffer must secure a result utilising the options available at Ibrox.

Predicted 4-3-3 Rangers Lineup To Face Panathinaikos

Defence

Despite losing his place to Liam Kelly towards the closure of last season, Jack Butland is expected to reclaim his ‘number 1’ status after impressing Martin in the pre-season. The Gers boss might still bring in a new goalie amid interest in Pierce Charles. However, the veteran Englishman must grab this opportunity by delivering a resolute performance between the sticks.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JULY 06: Mohammed Diomande of Rangers is seen after scoring his team’s opening goal during the pre-season friendly match between Rangers and Club Brugge at Ibrox Stadium on July 06, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The Light Blues have snapped up Nasser Djiga and Manny Fernandez to bolster themselves in the heart of the backline. Djiga could get the nod over Fernandez to partner with John Souttar in deep defence. Also, Max Aarons, the other summer signing, should operate from the left ahead of Jefte. Predominantly a right fullback, the Bournemouth loanee would slot in on the other flank to make way for club captain James Tavernier.

Midfield

Despite failing to cement a regular role over the past two campaigns, Martin views Kieran Dowell as a part of his plans. But he might feature as the understudy to Joe Rothwell, with the latter likely to orchestrate the show as a deep-lying playmaker. Nicolas Raskin and Mohamed Diomande were the shining lights in a disappointing 2024-25 season, and the pair must be deployed in the centre of the pitch as box-to-box midfielders. Lyall Cameron is nursing a knock, but Connor Barron and Bailey Rice are there as squad options.

Attack

Rangers have roped in Djeidi Gassama from Sheffield Wednesday, and the dynamic winger could be lined up from the right-hand flank straightaway. Martin hopes to have Thelo Aasgaard back in time, but might opt for alternatives if the Norwegian fails to recover before the midweek encounter.

Academy graduate Findlay Curtis has impressed so far in the pre-season, and the manager must prefer him over Nedim Bajrami and Oscar Cortes down the left-hand flank. Danilo has been exquisite so far in the friendly outings, and with Dessers and Igamane unavailable, the Brazilian should spearhead the attack against the Shamrock.