Glasgow Rangers return to domestic action today for one last game before another international break ends the season just as the Gers were gaining momentum.
The club has won five and drawn one of Philippe Clement’s first six matches in charge, a remarkable turnaround from the club’s stagnation under Michael Beale just a few months ago.
The 49-year-old has established a distinct identity and playing style, and while it will take time for him to mature, the early stages of his reign have seen significant progress.
A trip to Livingston presents its own set of challenges, particularly given the playing surface and style of play, but the early signs under Clement are promising, and the Gers should be able to break through the Livi defence.
The starting XI will almost certainly change ahead of the tie this afternoon, with a few changes looking likely in order to rest some tired bodies.
Rangers vs. Livingston team news
Following the 2-1 victory over Sparta Prague, Clement enters today’s match with a few injuries, though some players should return after the break.
When speaking to the press, the Belgian mentioned the injuries, saying, “I expect Rabbi Matondo back after the international break, as well as John Souttar and Nico Raskin – so there will be more competition. We are unsure about Scott Wright for the weekend, but we are hopeful for after the break.”
The good news is that these players will be ready to return to the team ahead of the hectic holiday season, giving Clement more options.
However, this does not help in the Premiership today, and the former Club Brugge coach may have to slightly rejig his starting XI.
Moving Todd Cantwell to attacking midfield and dropping Sam Lammers from the first team is one change that must be made.
Todd Cantwell could take over for Sam Lammers.
Following a superb performance against Dundee a few weeks ago, the Dutchman appeared to be gaining confidence. He not only scored a spectacular goal from outside the box, but he also assisted another Gers goal while creating a big chance and making one key pass during the match.
The former Atalanta man appeared to have finally turned the corner and was ready to showcase his wonderful creative talents, but his performance against Sparta was far from efficient.
During the game, he did not have a shot on goal, lost possession nine times, and struggled to get into the game.
Cantwell was once again deployed on the right wing by the Belgian, but he cut inside effectively and even scored his first goal of the season in the first half.
Hopefully, this will serve as a catalyst for the Englishman to showcase his abilities and convince Clement that he deserves to play just behind the striker.
Cantwell also completed 100% of his attempted passes in midweek, making one key pass and taking four shots in total, indicating he was eager to score.
Livingston will present a unique challenge, but Cantwell’s keen eye for goal and creative abilities should give him the edge over Lammers. But who will be unleashed on the right wing?
Season statistics for Ross McCausland
With Wright out due to injury and Cantwell playing more centrally, the vacant spot on the right wing should go to McCausland, who has clearly earned a spot in the starting XI based on his impressive cameos this season.
Although he has yet to start a Premiership match, the youngster has come off the bench four times and has already created one big chance and averaged 1.3 key passes per game in just 20 minutes on the pitch.
Indeed, the rising star has created the same number of big chances as Lammers and has averaged more key passes per game (0.5) than the Dutchman, highlighting the importance of starting him this afternoon.
The Northern Irishman has also made an impression in the Europa League, appearing twice, with his 21-minute cameo against Sparta being the most talked-about.
Not only did McCausland manage to take two shots during his brief appearance on the pitch, but he also made one key pass, succeeded with his only dribble attempt, and lost possession only once, demonstrating that he is capable on the ball.
According to journalist Josh Bunting, “Ross McCausland has been excellent since coming on, he’s been positive.” His vision and eye for a pass are exceptional for such a young player. I honestly don’t think he’ll be long in the starting lineup; he adds a new dimension and spark to this Rangers squad.
Ross McCausland’s contract expires at the end of the season.
One of Clement’s top priorities will be to sign the youngster to a long-term contract, especially since his recent form may soon attract admirers from afar.
Indeed, Fabrizio Romano provided an update on his contract situation recently, stating, “Exclusive: Rangers have sent their proposal to talent Ross McCausland for new contract valid until June 2027.”
“Ross impressed again in Europa League in front of PL clubs scouts, now Rangers pushing to tie him down as compensation fee would be £350k in the summer.”
Clement will not want to repeat Beale’s mistakes by losing players like Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos when their contracts expired at the end of last season, so he must secure the young gem on a new contract.
He possesses the ability to make an impact in games; the key now is for him to establish consistency while earning his first start for the club.
Unleashing the 20-year-old against Livingston would be a bold move by the Belgian, but he has the potential to prove many people wrong by working well alongside Cantwell and Danilo, who will likely lead the line.
It could be the impetus for McCausland to claim the right-wing spot for himself.
