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Rangers team news: Predicted Rangers line up vs Villarreal – Five out, three doubtful
RANGERS manager Steven Gerrard will have to juggle his squad ahead of their opening Europa League group stage match against Villarreal on Thursday (5.55pm).
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Rangers will be without a host of first-team stars for the opening match of their Europa League campaign away at Villarreal.
Manager Steven Gerrard could have up to eight players unavailable for the Gers’ first game of the group stages at El Madrigal.
The Ibrox club have already progressed through four gruelling qualifying rounds in order to reach this point, seeing off FK Shkupi, NK Osijek, Maribor and FC Ufa.
A combative opening few weeks of the Scottish Premiership season have also taken their toll, leaving Rangers struggling with a host of absentees.
Alfredo Morelos and Jon Flanagan are both suspended are receiving red cards in the play-off round against FC Ufa.
Morelos’ absence means Kyle Lafferty is a certainty to start up front, while Borna Barisic should continue at left-back in place of Flanagan.
Meanwhile, Ryan Jack is still sidelined with a minor calf injury while Gareth McAuley has a similar problem and Jamie Murphy is a long-term absentee.
Graham Dorrans has travelled but is short of match fitness while Lee Wallace and Jordan Rossiter were left out of the European squad.
However, Lassana Coulibaly made his return to action against Dundee following a thigh injury and should start in central midfield.
Daniel Candeias and Ovie Ejaria are expected to featuree, although Eros Grezda is also pushing for a start.
Meanwhile, Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic will continue as the central pairing in a settled back four.