Rangers Beale now has the perfect player to replace Danilo at Ibrox

Beale will need to replace Danilo with another forward this evening if he is to defeat Betis.

Glasgow Rangers will compete in the group stages of European competition for the first time since their disastrous Champions League campaign in 2022/23.

The Gers failed to win a point, surrendered 22 goals, and scored only twice in six games, resulting in the worst ever showing in the competition’s group stages.

There will be no replays this year as Michael Beale’s men failed to qualify for the Premier League, instead opting for Europa League football, which may be a blessing in disguise given that the Gers reached the final the last time they were in the competition.

The club hasn’t had the ideal start to the 2023/24 season, and Beale will be hoping that a win versus Real Betis would kickstart their European dreams.

How has the Rangers’ recent form been?
The Light Blues returned to domestic duty after the international break with a fairly straightforward win against St Johnstone, although their record has been uneven to say the least.

They had only four victories from nine games, with defeats to PSV Eindhoven and Celtic appearing to have the potential to destroy their season before it had really began.

Anilo scored against the Saints last Saturday, but he suffered a fractured cheekbone and will now miss the next few games.

The Brazilian has had a good start to his career in Glasgow, scoring three goals so far, and he will be missed against the Spanish team. However, Beale may have found the ideal replacement in Kemar Roofe.

Will Rangers’ Kemar Roofe start against Real Betis?
Roofe dropped significantly deeper and played in the space directly behind Danilo against St Johnstone, and while he did make one vital pass and take two shots during the tie, it’s evident that he might be a more dangerous threat when pushed farther forward.

With Danilo out, Beale should definitely replace him with the Jamaican international, especially given his recent form.

Indeed, just a week into the new season, Rangers Review editor Jonny McFarlane lauded him, saying, “Rangers need to be bringing a fit Kemar Roofe into the fold more readily.” Proven at this level while others adjust to Scotland’s speed and Rangers’ demands. In these early domestic skirmishes, you’re looking a little flat.”

Just a few weeks ago, in his first start since April 2022 against Ross County, the 30-year-old scored the opening goal while causing havoc in their defense, and it was no surprise to see him retained in the starting XI for the Celtic match a week later.

Roofe showed off his physicality against Celtic, winning four of his seven aerial duels and finding the back of the net, albeit it was ruled out wrongly. His overall performance, though, was positive.

The 5 foot 10 dynamo might be the difference against Betis this evening, and a win would establish the Gers’ supremacy over a difficult group.