Team news: Philippe Clement names Rangers side for Europa League test against Olympiacos

Rangers manager Philippe Clement has named his side to face Olympiacos, with captain James Tavernier dropping to the bench for the Europa League clash.

Tavernier was subbed off during the 2-1 League Cup semi-final win over Motherwell on Sunday and Dujon Sterling has now been preferred at right back for the European test.

Clement revealed on Wednesday that Tom Lawrence is out for four to six weeks with an injury, meaning he will miss key games in domestic competition and in Europe, starting with the game in Greece. That’s meant a start for Mohamed Diomande in midfield.

Robin Propper starts instead of Leon Balogun in a third change from Sunday’s League Cup side.

Jack Butland wears the captain’s armband and starts in goal behind a back four of Jefte, Robin Propper, John Souttar and Sterling.

Nicolas Raskin and Connor Barron anchor the midfield with Nedim Bajrami, Valcav Cerny and Diomande playing behind Cyriel Dessers.

Rangers are looking to add another positive result to boost their chances of making the knockout stages.

The Ibrox side began their League Phase campaign with a 2-0 win away to Malmo but then suffered a difficult 4-1 home defeat to Ligue 1 side Lyon.

Last time out the team recorded one of their best results of the season with a 4-0 win over Steaua Bucharest at Ibrox but they are now aiming for their first points on the road.

🆕 This evening's side to face Olympiacos in the #UEL.

📲 Full Team News: https://t.co/67F7b05Cyc

💙 Come on #RangersFC! pic.twitter.com/GNKMyazsMc
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) November 7, 2024

Clement had said that he was anticipating a noisy and intimidating atmosphere, with the Olympiacos fans well known for their backing of their side but he backed the Rangers players to deal with it.

“Okay, we have a few guys who are less experienced but we also have enough experienced players in the squad,” he said. “They’re used to playing at Ibrox.

“That helps also. If you have a team who plays in a smaller stadium and come here, it’s different. In Malmo it was also a really good atmosphere. That’s what you want.

“European nights, there’s always some magic. It’s always something special. Different playing styles, different players that you don’t know really well.

“And in that way, for a player, it’s always nice to play in stadiums like this. Big stadiums with a big crowd. So I think everybody will embrace that and be happy with that.”