Philippe Clement hands out unexpected start — Rangers predicted XI v Motherwell

Philippe Clement could make three changes to his Rangers starting line-up for the trip to Motherwell on Sunday.

Nicolas Raskin could return to the fold to replace Connor Barron after starting on the bench in the 2-1 loss to St Mirren on Boxing Day.

Leon Balogun picked up an injury in Paisley, and Robin Propper looks like the likely replacement for the Nigerian at centre-back at Fir Park on 29 December.

Nedim Bajrami had a night to forget against Stephen Robinson’s team, and the Belgian manager may want to tweak his attack for the Motherwell game.

Cyriel Dessers has gone down in the pecking order in recent weeks but could be handed an unexpected start as the Light Blues look to bounce back.

Cyriel Dessers handed unexpected Rangers start v Motherwell

Hamza Igamane has replaced the 30-year-old as Clement’s first choice number nine, but the Moroccan can be deployed on the left-hand side of the attack.

Jack Butland made a massive error in giving away a penalty in the St Mirren loss, but the Belgian manager is not expected to drop the Englishman.

James Tavernier, Dujon Sterling and Jefte should keep their places in the Rangers team despite the poor showing in Paisley.

Mohamed Diomande has thrived in his new deeper midfield role lately, and Ianis Hagi has become an essential player for the 50-year-old head coach.

The Light Blues are 12 points behind Celtic in the Scottish Premiership and will face embarrassment if their Old Firm rivals extend that lead further.

With the Steelmen coming off a 4-0 loss to the Hoops, the Bears need to be wary of them as Stuart Kettlewell’s team will certainly look to bounce back.

In other Rangers news, Fraser Thornton and Patrick Stewart’s stance on sacking Clement has emerged.