Rangers take on Alashkert in the Europa League playoff at Ibrox on Thursday night, with Steven Gerrard's side hoping to secure a place in the group stages with a win against the Armenian minnows.

The Gers don't come into the game in the best of form, after suffering three consecutive losses against Malmo (twice) and Dundee United in recent weeks, but looked back to their normal selves with a resounding 5-0 win in the League Cup against Dunfermline last time out.

Although Gerrard may be tempted to restore some of his more experienced players to the starting lineup for Thursday night's clash, the performances of his younger players will surely give him a lot to think about ahead of his team selection.

Here's how Football FanCast expects the 41-year-old manager to line his side up at Ibrox, with five changes from the team that thrashed Dunfermline...

First-choice goalkeeper Allan McGregor returns in goal, replacing Jon McLaughlin in between the sticks.

After superb performances last Friday, Calvin Bassey and Nathan Patterson deserve to keep their place in the side at full-back, whilst Filip Helander returns to the starting eleven at centre-back alongside Conor Goldson.

Glen Kamara serves the final game of his European ban, with Steven Davis replacing him in midfield, partnering Joe Aribo and John Lundstram.

Kemar Roofe is also suspended for this one, so Alfredo Morelos starts up front in his absence, with the Colombian no doubt hoping to improve on his superb record in Europe for the Gers.

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Ianis Hagi keeps his place on the right-wing, whilst Ryan Kent, who Gerrard described as a "constant threat" in 2020, returns in place of Scott Wright in the final change on the left-hand side.

And, in other news... Transfer report provides worrying update on "outstanding" Rangers start