Ibrox View: McInnes to make change after reality check – Rangers predicted XI v Dundee

Rangers manager Derek McInnes could make changes for Saturday’s trip to Dundee after admitting that his team’s second-half performance against Kilmarnock fell below expectations. Rangers won 3–1 at Ibrox, with Ryan Naderi scoring twice and Kevin Kelsy adding another goal, but McInnes was unhappy with the chances his side allowed after the break. Dujon Sterling is expected to be available after coming off at half-time because of illness, while Findlay Curtis is among the players who could benefit from rotation. The Scottish Sun

Rangers are preparing for another important Scottish Premiership match, and Derek McInnes has a decision to make after his team received a reality check despite beating Kilmarnock 3-1 at Ibrox. The result was another positive step in Rangers’ recent revival, but the manager was not completely satisfied with what he saw from his players. Three first-half goals gave Rangers control of the match, with Ryan Naderi finding the net twice and Kevin Kelsy adding another goal. However, the second half was a different story. Rangers looked less comfortable, gave Kilmarnock opportunities to get back into the contest and eventually conceded a goal. McInnes was pleased with the three points, but he also made it clear that his team must improve if it wants to maintain its momentum. That is why the upcoming match against Dundee could be an important test of his management. Rangers have been winning consistently, but the manager knows that the standard must remain high. The question is whether he will trust the players who helped deliver the latest victory or make changes to bring more energy and balance into the team. With another difficult match approaching, McInnes must decide which players deserve to keep their places and whether some members of his squad need an opportunity to prove themselves.

The victory over Kilmarnock was valuable for several reasons. Rangers had returned to domestic action after the international break, and there were questions about whether they could maintain the form they showed before the pause. The team had built momentum through a run of victories, including important wins against Celtic, and supporters wanted to see whether that progress would continue. The first half suggested that Rangers were ready to carry on where they had left off. Naderi continued his impressive scoring form, Kelsy also found the net, and Rangers looked capable of causing serious problems for the visitors. Their attacking play was effective enough to establish a three-goal advantage before the break. However, the performance after half-time raised concerns. Kilmarnock created opportunities and managed to score, while Rangers struggled to reproduce the same level of control. McInnes acknowledged that his team had looked disjointed at times and needed to perform better. That assessment matters because Rangers cannot expect every match to be decided by a strong opening period. Against better opponents, losing control after establishing an advantage could lead to dropped points. McInnes will therefore want his players to show greater concentration, improve their management of the game and demonstrate that they can maintain their standards for the full 90 minutes.

The manager now faces a selection decision ahead of the Dundee match at Dens Park. Rangers have several players who have contributed to the recent winning run, and changing a successful team can carry risks. Players build understanding through regular appearances, particularly in defence and midfield, where communication and positioning are important. At the same time, keeping the same players in every match is not always the best approach. Fatigue, illness, travel and the demands of international football can affect performances. McInnes must balance the benefits of continuity with the need to keep his squad fresh. The second-half display against Kilmarnock may encourage him to consider whether a different combination could help Rangers control matches more effectively. However, any changes should be based on the players’ fitness, performances in training and the tactical demands of facing Dundee. The manager does not need to make changes simply to prove that he is unhappy. He needs to choose the strongest available team and make sure that the players understand what is expected of them. Rangers have built momentum over recent weeks, and the priority must be to protect that progress while addressing the weaknesses exposed at Ibrox.

One of the biggest questions concerns Dujon Sterling, who was substituted at half-time against Kilmarnock. His withdrawal initially raised concerns among supporters, particularly because the defender had previously dealt with injury problems. However, the latest reports indicate that Sterling was feeling unwell, with tonsillitis mentioned as a possible explanation, rather than suffering a new serious injury. He is expected to be available for the trip to Dundee, which would give McInnes the option of restoring him to the starting line-up. Sterling has been an important member of the Rangers defence, and his ability to contribute on the right side has helped provide balance to the team. His pace, physical presence and willingness to support attacks can be useful when Rangers need to stretch the opposition. Defensively, he also needs to remain alert because Dundee may look to exploit any space left behind the full-backs. If Sterling has recovered fully, retaining him could be the most sensible option. However, McInnes must be certain that the player is ready to complete the match. There is little value in rushing someone back if they are not fully fit, especially when the season is demanding and the club needs its players available for the longer term. The manager will have to rely on the medical staff’s assessment before making the final decision.

If Sterling is ready to return, Rangers could keep the same defensive structure that has helped them produce several strong results. Ivor Pandur is expected to continue in goal after establishing himself as the team’s first-choice option. The Croatian goalkeeper has faced questions since replacing Jack Butland, but his recent performances have helped him gain confidence and settle into the role. A goalkeeper’s job is not only about making saves. He must also communicate with defenders, organise the area around him and make decisions that help the team defend with confidence. Rangers have looked more settled during their recent run, and Pandur will want to continue building on that progress. Dundee may attempt to test him with crosses, shots from distance and quick attacks, meaning he must remain alert throughout the match. If Rangers dominate possession, he may have relatively quiet periods, but those can be difficult for goalkeepers because concentration must remain high even when the ball is at the other end of the pitch. Pandur will need to be ready when called upon. A strong performance from the goalkeeper can make a significant difference in an away match, especially if Rangers allow Dundee to create chances during periods when the visitors are not controlling the game.

At centre-back, Emmanuel Fernandez and Olwethu Makhanya are expected to remain in contention for starting places. The pair have been part of a defensive unit that has helped Rangers improve their results, and McInnes may prefer to maintain that partnership rather than introduce an unnecessary change. Centre-backs need time to build an understanding of each other’s movement, particularly when dealing with crosses, through balls and quick combinations around the penalty area. They must know when to step forward, when to hold their position and when to cover for the full-backs. Rangers will want Fernandez and Makhanya to show the same concentration that helped the team establish its recent winning run. However, the Kilmarnock match showed that a good first half does not guarantee a comfortable finish. The defenders must be ready to respond when Dundee increase the pressure and attempt to make the game difficult. Communication will be especially important if Rangers are defending a narrow lead late in the match. They must avoid unnecessary mistakes and ensure that the opposition does not receive easy opportunities. If both centre-backs are fit and ready, keeping them together could help Rangers maintain the defensive understanding they have developed in recent weeks.

James Penrice is also expected to remain an option at left-back. His role will be important because Rangers need their full-backs to provide width without leaving too much space for the opposition to exploit. When the team has possession, Penrice can support attacks, offer a passing option and help Rangers move the ball into dangerous areas. However, his positioning must remain disciplined when the ball is lost. Dundee could try to attack down the channels or move quickly into the space behind Rangers’ advancing defenders. Penrice will need to judge when to move forward and when to remain deeper to protect his side. That balance is essential for any full-back in a team that wants to control matches through possession. Rangers cannot afford to allow Dundee easy counterattacks, particularly if the home side is looking to make the most of playing at Dens Park. The defenders must remain connected to the midfield, and the midfielders must help cover the spaces that appear when the full-backs advance. If Rangers can maintain that structure, they will give themselves a better chance of controlling the game and limiting the number of clear opportunities available to Dundee.

The midfield is another area where McInnes may decide that continuity is the best option. Dan Neil has been competing strongly for a regular role, while Nico Raskin remains an important part of Rangers’ plans. The pair offer different qualities, and their partnership can help the team balance defensive responsibility with the need to move the ball forward. Neil can help Rangers circulate possession and connect the defence with the attacking players, while Raskin brings energy, pressing and the ability to compete for possession. The two must work together to ensure that Rangers do not become stretched when the opposition wins the ball. Against Kilmarnock, Rangers were effective in the first half but appeared less comfortable after the interval. That could have been influenced by fatigue, a change in the opposition’s approach or the difficulty of maintaining the same intensity after a long break from domestic football. Whatever the reasons, McInnes will want a more controlled performance against Dundee. His midfielders must know when to move the ball quickly and when to slow the game down. They must also recognise when to press and when to protect the defensive line. If Neil and Raskin start together again, their main task will be to ensure that Rangers remain organised and do not give Dundee unnecessary opportunities to attack.

Raskin’s situation also makes the match interesting because the Belgian midfielder has been a topic of discussion following the transfer interest he attracted. There had been uncertainty about his future, but he remained at Rangers after the summer window closed. Since then, McInnes has needed him to focus on his performances and continue contributing to the team. A player who has been linked with a move elsewhere can face pressure to demonstrate that he remains committed to the club, but the best response is usually to perform well on the pitch. Raskin has the ability to influence matches through his energy, work rate and willingness to compete for the ball. Rangers need him to concentrate on those qualities rather than become distracted by what might happen in a future transfer window. The Dundee match provides another opportunity for him to help the team maintain its form. He will need to be disciplined in possession, support the defenders when Dundee attack and make good decisions when Rangers win the ball back. McInnes will expect him to contribute to the team’s overall performance, not simply produce individual moments. If Raskin can continue playing consistently, he can help Rangers maintain their push near the top of the league. The manager will want his midfielders to show that they can deliver against different opponents, not only in the biggest matches.

The wide attacking positions could be where McInnes makes a more noticeable change. Rangers have several players competing for places, and the international break has increased the need to consider travel, recovery and workload. Minsu Kim has been involved in international football and played a significant part in the recent match against Kilmarnock. Depending on his recovery, the manager could decide that a spell on the bench would help him remain fresh for the matches ahead. This would not necessarily be a punishment or a sign that his performances have disappointed. Squad rotation is often necessary when a club has several important fixtures and players travelling long distances to represent their countries. The challenge is to keep the team competitive without placing too much pressure on individual players. Kim has qualities that can help Rangers in wide areas, but McInnes has alternatives available if he wants to adjust the starting line-up. The manager must assess whether Kim is ready to start again or whether another player can offer the energy and direct running needed against Dundee. That decision could depend on how the team trains during the week and which tactical approach McInnes believes will work best at Dens Park.

Findlay Curtis is one player who could benefit if the manager decides to rotate. The young Scottish attacker has shown that he can contribute when given opportunities, and his appearance from the bench against Kilmarnock could help his case for more involvement. Curtis offers energy and the willingness to attack defenders, which can be useful in a match where Rangers need to create chances against a side likely to defend in numbers at certain stages. Young players can bring enthusiasm and unpredictability, but they also need to understand their responsibilities within the team. Curtis must know when to take on his opponent, when to pass and when to help his full-back defend. If McInnes selects him from the beginning, the winger will have an opportunity to show that he can contribute over a longer period rather than only during a substitute appearance. However, the manager must also consider the experience and consistency of the other players available. Starting a young player away from home can be a positive decision if the tactical situation suits him, but it should not be done simply because supporters want to see a change. Curtis has to earn his place, and McInnes will be looking for evidence that he can meet the demands of the match.

Djeidi Gassama is another player who could be important to Rangers’ attacking approach. His pace and willingness to run at defenders give the team a direct option when possession is recovered. Gassama can help Rangers move quickly from midfield into the final third, and his movement can force defenders to retreat rather than step forward. That can create space for teammates and make it harder for opponents to maintain a compact defensive shape. However, his final decision remains an important part of his development. A winger must know when to shoot, when to cross and when to keep possession instead of forcing an opportunity. Gassama has shown that he can make dangerous runs, but Rangers need those runs to lead to more productive outcomes. Against Dundee, he may face defenders who are prepared to double up on him or prevent him from turning towards goal. He will need to use his teammates, change direction when necessary and avoid becoming predictable. McInnes may be reluctant to leave him out because of the threat he offers, even when his finishing has not always matched his movement. If Gassama can combine his pace with better decision-making in the final third, he could become an even more important attacking player for Rangers.

Ryan Naderi is likely to remain one of the first names in the attacking line-up after his two-goal performance against Kilmarnock. The striker has given Rangers a major boost by finding the net regularly, and his confidence should be high heading into the Dundee match. Goals change the way a striker approaches the game. A player who has recently scored may be more willing to make runs, attack crosses and take opportunities when they appear. Naderi has shown that he can be effective when the team creates the right situations for him, and Rangers will want to continue providing the service he needs. His movement can also help other attackers because defenders must pay attention to his position. If he pulls defenders away from the centre, teammates may find space to attack. The challenge for Naderi will be to maintain his work rate and avoid becoming too focused on scoring. Strikers sometimes become frustrated when chances do not arrive early, but they must remain involved in the game and continue helping the team. Against Dundee, he will need to press when required, hold up the ball when Rangers need an outlet and make intelligent runs behind the defence. If he continues his recent form, he could again be a key figure

Kevin Kelsy is also expected to compete for a starting place after scoring against Kilmarnock. The forward offers a physical presence and can give Rangers another option in the final third. His ability to compete with defenders can help the team when it needs to play forward quickly, while his positioning can create opportunities around the penalty area. Kelsy has not always convinced every supporter with his all-round play, but scoring goals is an important part of his role, and he has recently provided a contribution in that area. McInnes must decide whether to keep him in the starting line-up or adjust the attacking shape to bring other players into more central positions. If Kelsy starts alongside Naderi, Rangers could have a strong physical presence in attack, although the midfield and wide players would need to support them effectively. If the manager chooses a different combination, he will need to ensure that Rangers still have enough strength and movement in the penalty area. The decision will depend on the tactical plan for Dundee and how the coaching staff assess the available players. Kelsy has given the manager another reason to consider him, but he must continue contributing if he wants to keep his place.

Dundee will not make the match easy simply because Rangers have enjoyed a strong run of results. Playing away from Ibrox presents different challenges, and Rangers must be prepared for an opponent that wants to use its home advantage. Dundee may look to compete aggressively in midfield, close down passing lanes and attack quickly when Rangers lose possession. The home side will know that Rangers are expected to win, and that expectation can create pressure if the visitors fail to score early. McInnes must make sure his players do not assume that their recent victories guarantee another three points. Rangers need to start with the right intensity, move the ball with purpose and defend properly when possession changes hands. If they allow Dundee to gain confidence, the match could become much more difficult than supporters expect. The manager’s warning after the Kilmarnock game should therefore be taken seriously. A team competing for the title must learn how to manage different situations, whether it is protecting a lead, chasing a goal or dealing with a period of pressure. The Dundee match will test whether Rangers can respond to the problems exposed in their latest victory and produce a more complete performance.

The most important improvement may be the way Rangers manage the second half. Their display against Kilmarnock showed that scoring three goals before the break does not remove the need to remain focused. When a team has a comfortable lead, players can sometimes become less aggressive in pressing or allow the opposition more time on the ball. The manager may also make substitutions that change the team’s structure, while the opposition can alter its tactics to create a different challenge. Rangers must be ready for those changes and respond quickly. McInnes will want his players to understand that every phase of a match matters. If the team takes the lead, it should continue looking for opportunities while remaining organised defensively. If the opposition increases the pressure, Rangers must keep their shape and avoid making rushed decisions. This does not mean they need to attack relentlessly for 90 minutes. It means they must understand when to press, when to retain possession and when to protect the space around their penalty area. A more controlled performance would help build confidence and show that the players are learning from the difficulties they faced against Kilmarnock.

There is also the question of how McInnes uses his substitutes. The quality of a squad is not measured only by the starting eleven. Over a long season, managers need contributions from players who begin matches on the bench, particularly when injuries, illness and international travel affect selection. A substitute can change the pace of a game, provide fresh energy or help the team defend a lead. Rangers have players who can make an impact when introduced, and McInnes must be prepared to use them at the right moment. If the starting team begins to tire, waiting too long to make changes can allow the opposition to take control. On the other hand, changing several players at once can disrupt the team’s rhythm if the replacements are not properly integrated into the game. The manager needs to read the match and understand what is required. If Rangers are struggling to create chances, he may need a more direct attacker. If they are losing control of midfield, a player who can retain possession and win challenges may be more useful. If the team is protecting a narrow lead, fresh legs in defensive areas could help. Those decisions will be just as important as the starting line-up.

For supporters, the predicted team is an interesting part of the build-up, but the final selection will only be confirmed when the official team news is released. Injuries, illness and late decisions can change the manager’s plans, and the players who start may not be exactly the same as those expected by journalists. Based on the latest available reports, Rangers could line up with Ivor Pandur in goal, Dujon Sterling at right-back, Emmanuel Fernandez and Olwethu Makhanya in central defence, and James Penrice at left-back. Dan Neil and Nico Raskin could form the midfield partnership, with Djeidi Gassama and Findlay Curtis offering attacking width. Ryan Naderi and Kevin Kelsy could lead the forward line, although McInnes has other attacking options if he chooses to rotate. This is a predicted team rather than a confirmed selection, and the final decision will depend on fitness and tactical considerations. Sterling’s reported recovery makes his inclusion possible, while Curtis could benefit if the manager decides to give another player a rest. The main aim will be to select a side capable of controlling possession, creating chances and defending with greater consistency than Rangers showed after half-time against Kilmarnock.

The predicted Rangers XI is therefore Ivor Pandur; Dujon Sterling, Emmanuel Fernandez, Olwethu Makhanya, James Penrice; Dan Neil, Nico Raskin; Findlay Curtis, Djeidi Gassama; Ryan Naderi, Kevin Kelsy. The formation and roles could change depending on how McInnes wants his team to approach the match, and the starting positions of the attacking players may be more flexible than the list suggests. Naderi can contribute beyond simply finishing chances, while the wide attackers will be expected to support the forwards and help the team press when Dundee have possession. Neil and Raskin must provide the link between defence and attack, and the full-backs need to judge their forward runs carefully. If Rangers can maintain their shape and make better decisions in possession, they should give themselves opportunities to score. The important thing is not whether every predicted name starts, but whether the team selection reflects the lessons from the previous match. McInnes has to find the right balance between keeping a winning team together and making the changes needed to improve the performance.

Ultimately, the trip to Dundee is another opportunity for Rangers to show that their recent run is built on more than a few strong results. McInnes has helped restore belief through consecutive victories, and the win against Kilmarnock put Rangers in a strong position in the Premiership table. However, the manager has already made it clear that the team cannot be satisfied with the result alone. The second-half performance was not good enough in his view, and the players must respond by producing a more consistent display at Dens Park. Sterling’s availability, the possibility of rotation in the wide areas and the form of Naderi and Kelsy will all be important talking points before kick-off. Rangers do not need to change half the team to prove that they have learned a lesson, but McInnes must be willing to make adjustments if he believes they will improve the side. The players who start must show the concentration and discipline required to control the match, while those on the bench must be ready to contribute when called upon. Rangers have built valuable momentum, and the challenge now is to maintain it. A strong performance against Dundee would help demonstrate that the reality check against Kilmarnock has been understood and that McInnes’s team is ready to keep pushing towards its ambitions this season