Rangers Secure Dominant 5-1 Win Over St Mirren as They Prepare for Europa Conference League Clash
After a series of disappointing results, Rangers returned to winning form in the League Cup with a convincing 5-1 victory against the defending champions St Mirren. This decisive win is set to bolster their confidence ahead of the first leg against Czech team Jablonec on Thursday night in the UEFA Europa Conference League play-off round.
Rangers’ recent setback in the Europa League qualifiers against Jagiellonia Białystok saw them relegated to the Conference League, incurring a significant financial loss. The team now aims for a successful run in this tournament to rebuild their reputation in European football.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Jablonec
Defence
Derek McInnes has consistently chosen Ivor Pandur as goalkeeper across all competitions, including the domestic Cup, and he is expected to remain the first-choice keeper against Jablonec. The absence of Tuur Rommens and Ben Godfrey has impacted Rangers’ defensive lineup. James Penrice, who scored in his debut match last weekend, is expected to start again on the left side. Olwethu Makhanya has begun to settle into his new role and will likely partner with Emmanuel Fernandez in central defense. Dujon Sterling is anticipated to play as the right fullback, taking preference over Ross McCrorie.
Midfield
This summer, Rangers have acquired several new midfielders, though none have matched the influence of Nicolas Raskin as a deep-lying playmaker. With Raskin’s future uncertain as he is expected to leave before the summer transfer deadline, his role remains crucial for the team’s European ambitions. Following an impressive performance against St Mirren, Vanja Dragojevic is likely to join Raskin in the midfield ‘double pivot’. Cameron Devlin, Dan Neil, Tochi Chukwuani, and Connor Barron are expected to provide depth from the bench. Thelo Aasgaard, who missed the League Cup match due to suspension, should return and replace Chukwuani in the midfield attack. Djeidi Gassama, who performed well with a goal and an assist, deserves the chance to start again, while Daisuke Yokota is set to return on the right flank despite being substituted at half-time in previous matches. Findlay Curtis may be utilized as a late substitute to add dynamism to the attack.
Attack
Lawrence Shankland has struggled to meet expectations leading the Rangers attack. However, he may be favored over Bojan Miovski and Ryan Naderi, despite Naderi scoring in the match on Sunday evening.
After a dreadful run of results, Rangers bounced back in the League Cup with an emphatic 5-1 win against the defending champions St Mirren. This should boost their confidence ahead of hosting the Czech outfit Jablonec on Thursday night in the first leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League play-off round.
The Gers have been demoted to this tournament after a defeat to Jagiellonia Białystok in the Europa League qualifiers. Derek McInnes’ men have taken a significant financial hit from the premature exit and must now aim for a deep run in the Conference League to restore their pride in Europe.
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Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Jablonec
Defence
McInnes has preferred Ivor Pandur between the sticks in all competitions, including the domestic Cup. The Croatian, therefore, is expected to retain his place in goal against their midweek opponents.
Injuries to Tuur Rommens and Ben Godfrey decimate the Light Blues in the defensive third. James Penrice scored on his debut last weekend, and should feature again from the left. Olwethu Makhanya is settling into new surroundings with regular gametime, and the South African centre-half would keep his spot alongside Emmanuel Fernandez in the heart of the backline. Versatile Dujon Sterling must get the nod as the right fullback ahead of Ross McCrorie.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 16: Vanja Dragojević of Rangers celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Premier Sports Cup match between Rangers and St Mirren at Ibrox Stadium on August 16, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
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Midfield
Rangers have brought in several new midfielders so far this summer, but neither has managed to replicate Nicolas Raskin’s influence and impact as a deep-lying playmaker. The Belgian is expected to leave before the summer deadline, but his presence remains key to determining their European future. A stellar goal against the Buddies should see Vanja Dragojevic operate again as the ‘double pivot’ alongside Raskin. Cameron Devlin, Dan Neil, Tochi Chukwuani and Connor Barron should be there among substitutes, regardless of their involvement from the bench.
Thelo Aasgaard was suspended in the League Cup but should be back in action, replacing Chukwuani as a midfield attacker. Djeidi Gassama deserves back-to-back starts after scoring and assisting against St Mirren. Also, Daisuke Yokota, who was taken off at half-time due to exhaustion, would be deployed once more on the right-hand flank. Findlay Curtis might be introduced as a ‘super sub’ for his flair and finesse as a wide attacker.
Attack
Lawrence Shankland has yet to live up to expectations while spearheading the attack. But he could be preferred over Bojan Miovski and Ryan Naderi, even though the latter found the net on Sunday evening.
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