Rangers have the chance to secure a cup double – and Philippe Clement’s first win over Celtic in the Scottish Cup Final.
And the name on every fans lips going into the game is John Lundstram. Any involvement in the Final looks like it will be his last appearance for Rangers with Trabzonspor closing in on a deal when his contract expires. But after his sending off against Celtic in his previous appearance for the Light Blues some fans have called for Clement to leave Lundstram on the fringes at Hampden.
The manager appeared to offer a clue he Scouser would be back in the build-up to the game – insisting he would not listen to the views of the punters when deciding his starting line-up. He said: “I am never going to make decisions about what fans are thinking at that moment. Because that is emotions.”
And while he stated it would be ‘impossible’ for Ryan Jack to start at the national stadium, Nicolas Raskin would be the obvious choice if Lundstram misses out. However, Clement has previously shown his faith in the Englishman over Raskin.
The Belgian U21 international has struggled to find a starting spot in the Clement era – managing just three league starts in 2024 before Lundstram’s red at Celtic Park and being hooked at half-time in two of those outings. Raskin’s main role this term has been to come off the bench for 10-minute cameos while replacing Lundstram. It appears the Belgian boss has a preference for the out of contract star over the 23-year-old and could stand by his man.
In the build-up to the game, Clement has been playing his cards close to his chest in terms of injuries. He has refused to rule out Abdallah Sima despite his long-term absence through injury – as well as Leon Balogun and Borna Barisic.
He did offer an update on Ridvan Yilmaz – but appeared to hint the left-back could still make the Mount Florida showdown. Earlier this week he said the Turkish international had “tears in his eyes” when confessing an injury relapse but “we are going to see if we get him fit for this cup final”.
With key players like Connor Goldson and John Souttar definitely sitting out the showpiece, youngsters Leon King and Robbie Fraser are set to be thrown into the squad again for the blockbuster. But there are big calls for the boss all over the park.
Todd Cantwell didn’t even make it off the bench during the final Premiership clash of the season against Celtic, but could be preferred to Tom Lawrence after the Welsh international made little impact at Celtic Park. Fabio Silva looks likely to start on the left flank again despite a disappointing loan spell – while a decision remains on who will start on the right.
Predicted Rangers XI
Provisional Rangers squad
Goalkeepers
- Jack Butland
- Robby McCrorie
- Kieran Wright
- Jon McLaughlin
Defenders
- James Tavernier
- Leon King
- Leon Balogun
- Dujon Sterling
- Ben Davies
- Borna Barisic
- Robbie Fraser
Midfielders
- Nico Raskin
- John Lundstram
- Tom Lawrence
- Todd Cantwell
Forwards
- Cyriel Dessers
- Scott Wright
- Fabio Silva
- Abdallah Sima
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Ross McCausland