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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Philippe Clement confirms Rangers formation change amid left-back crisis

Philippe Clement has confirmed Rangers will play in a 3-5-2 formation against Sparta Prague.

The Ibrox boss has opted to shuffle his pack into a back three with a selection crisis at left-back.

Borna Barisic and Dujon Sterling are injured for the Europa League match with Ridvan Yilmaz not included in the European squad list.

Clement has opted to bring Ben Davies into the starting line-up for the match, however, he has confirmed he won't be played out of position at left-back.

Instead, Davies will form a back three alongside John Souttar and Connor Goldson in Prague. It appears John Lundsram could occupy a role on the left in the makeshift side.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Clement said: "That there was no left-back this week! We had to find solutions so we are going to play with three at the back today.

"It's not something the team is used to, and it's also not something I wanted to do now when I want to build on the things you are building with the team.

"But it is the best solution for the moment."

On the squad alteration, Clement added on Rangers TV: "Ben Davies comes in place of Borna but not in the same way. He's not a natural left full-back so we are going to play with three at the back today - more natural for him."

"They did it in the past a bit, not too much, we trained on it so I think it is the best way to play for this match."

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