Rangers line-up vs Malmo predicted: Left-back issue

Philippe Clement's side are looking for a third successive win after recent victories over Dundee and Dundee United. His side welcome Hibs to Ibrox on Saturday before hosting Lyon and St Johnstone across the remainder of the week.

The Rangers Review looks ahead to Clement's big selection calls ahead of the meeting with Malmo below.

Derek Clark

Clement has some selection dilemmas to ponder for Rangers' Europa League opener.

With Jefte suspended, the Belgian needs to decide who is the best option at left-back. Dujon Sterling, Neraysho Kasanwirjo and Robbie Fraser will be vying for the position. Of the three, Sterling is probably more likely to get the nod but it would be refreshing if the manager selected a bona fide left-back in Fraser. He would be the more natural replacement available.

In midfield, despite impressing recently, Tom Lawrence's mobility would be a concern heading into this game. With that in mind, a base consisting of Nico Raskin and Connor Barron with Mohamed Diomande advancing forward at times seems like a route to go down.

With Oscar Cortes out for several weeks, Nedim Bajrami will likely continue from the left with Vaclav Cerny and Cyriel Dessers completing the line-up.

Derek's predicted XI (Image: RR)

Read more:

• The Scottish coach influencing Malmo - who's rallying against Pep Guardiola's style

• Vaclav Cerny on his desire to make up for lost time and repay Rangers

Joshua Barrie 

Clement, once again, is going to be forced to play square pegs in round holes. His first four picks on the left (Ridvan, Jefte, Rabbi Matondo and Cortes) are all out - leaving extra emphasis on the right to create chances. 

While my colleague opts for Fraser at left-back the 21-year-old has still only started a handful of games and, primarily, those have arrived more often as a left-winger. Sterling hasn't been helped in his development by constantly covering other positions but he's the obvious option to fill in tonight.

Bajrami and Lawrence worked well in midweek, with the former drifting infield and the latter dropping deep. However, can that dynamic exist without a width-holding left-back given Jefte's suspension?

Hamza Igamane still isn't ready for 90 minutes and given Clement has no other alternative option up top, the Moroccan forward will start from the bench.

Joshua's predicted XI (Image: RR)