Nice, who were the club’s first European opponents way back in 1956 during a tumultuous triple-header, sit below Philippe Clement’s side in the league table.
However, pressure on Clement is at fever-pitch after Rangers dropped further points on Saturday during a 1-1 draw with Dundee United.
Our writers predict the team the Belgian manager will opt for tonight.
Chris Jack
It perhaps sums up the situation that Rangers are in right now that the two players who made a difference against Dundee United – Ianis Hagi and Danilo – are not available for the trip to Nice. As a result, Clement has few ways of sparking life into his forward line.
The playmaker and No.9 positions are a real issue right now. It could be solved by shifting Nedim Bajrami to a central berth. Given the limited options in the wide areas, that could mean a return for Ross McCausland. He does at least have pace, something which Rangers really lack. On form, Mohamed Diomande doesn’t merit a start.
The other big calls come at the back. Robin Propper and Dujon Sterling were surprise starters at the weekend. Sterling should keep his spot but Leon Balogun deserves the second centre-back slot. It could be a busy night for both.
Chris Jack’s predicted team vs Nice
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Joshua Barrie
I’ve little doubt Rangers will take some sort of respectable result in France. Put it this way, if you offered Clement a game away at Nice to Kilmarnock tonight, he’d likely opt for the former such has been the contrast between Rangers’ form in Europe and at home.
The team tonight will likely not deviate all that much in approach or personnel from the one which started against Dundee United – which in and of itself tells of part of the issue facing Clement presently.
James Tavernier probably retains his berth at full-back with Dujon Sterling likely to be favoured for the big games in December. In midfield, this is a match that will suit a trio of Diomande, Raskin and Barron.
There is little scope for change in the front three with Hagi and Danilo missing the Europa League squad. Again, the space on offer will likely suit Bajrami and Cerny even if the Ibrox outfit’s attack still lacks true pace.
Joshua Barrie’s predicted team vs Nice
