By Alan Hutton

21st Sep, 2023 | 10:34am

John Lundstram set for Rangers axe as big changes expected - expert

Michael Beale set to make big changes to Rangers XI ahead of tonight’s crucial Europa League clash.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Gers defender Alan Hutton suggested John Lundstram could be axed from the starting lineup on Thursday (21 September) to make way for Ryan Jack.

Beale’s side take on Real Betis in the opening match of their group stage campaign.

Rangers kick off their competition at home on Thursday night following a 2-0 win over St Johnstone in their Scottish Premiership fixture on Saturday (16 September).

Beale made several changes to the side that lost to Celtic before the international break, including welcoming Ridvan Yilmaz, Danilo and Tom Lawrence into the starting lineup.

Hutton is expecting to see changes to the lineup once again.

“I think he still is searching for his best XI,” he told Football Insider.

“Yilmaz played against St Johnstone but you would think [Borna] Barisic will come back in because Yilmaz is not in the squad. [John] Souttar will come back in and that is probably your strongest back four with [Jack] Butland in goals.

“I think Jack could possibly come in for [John] Lundstram and I like Lawrence in the number ten position.

“[Rabbi] Matondo and [Abdallah] Sima are both in for a shout and with Danilo injured could [Cyriel] Dessers possibly come back in we will have to wait and see.

“It will be interesting to see what he does but I think there will be a few changes.“

In other news, Kieran Maguire shares ‘£22m’ Graham Potter payout reveal after Rangers sack update.