- Rangers head to Falkirk after four straight league defeats and growing pressure on Danny Rohl.
- James Tavernier will miss his final Rangers match following his reported fallout with Rohl.
- Several loanees and fringe players could make their final appearances before a major summer overhaul.
Rangers travel to Falkirk on Saturday for what will be a low-key final-day fixture, with both sides already locked into their respective Premiership positions.
John McGlynn’s side will finish the season in sixth place, securing a top-half finish in their first campaign back in the top flight of Scottish football.
Danny Rohl, meanwhile, has seen Rangers consigned to third after dropping out of the title race and losing four consecutive league matches for the first time in more than 40 years.
The German is under intense pressure following poor results and a recent fallout with outgoing captain James Tavernier, who was left out of the squad for his final Ibrox appearance against Hibernian on Wednesday.
Danny Rohl stresses need for final Falkirk victory
Rohl insists ending the season with a victory remains his priority.
“The most important thing in football is winning games, and that’s what we have to do,” he said.
Tavernier was omitted from the starting XI against David Gray’s side despite delaying an injection to treat an injury until after the match.
The captain later addressed his side of the situation in an Instagram post.
He will not play for Rangers again, with Rohl confirming Tavernier’s absence for the clash with the Bairns alongside several other first-team players.
“James Tavernier, Nico Raskin and Ryan Naderi are not available for tomorrow’s game,” said Rohl.
“Bailey Rice is back in training but not available for the game.”
The Rangers boss also admitted he has reservations about playing Dujon Sterling on Falkirk’s artificial surface.
With the Rangers U19 side facing St Mirren on Friday night in a match that could secure the CAS Elite League title, several youngsters may miss the opportunity to feature for the first team due to fatigue.
No James Tavernier in defence
Jack Butland is expected to start in goal despite keeping just one clean sheet in his last 14 appearances for Rohl’s side.
The England goalkeeper has conceded 24 league goals since the goalless draw at Easter Road shortly after New Year.
With a major overhaul of Rangers’ leadership group expected this summer, with or without Rohl, this could potentially be Butland’s final appearance after three seasons in Scotland.
With Tavernier absent and Sterling doubtful, Max Aarons is also expected to make his final Rangers appearance before returning to Bournemouth at the end of his loan spell.
The 26-year-old has not started a Premiership match since the defeat to league leaders Hearts at Tynecastle in December.
Central defenders Manny Fernandez and Nasser Djiga have both struggled during Rangers’ run of seven matches without a clean sheet, and with the Burkina Faso international expected to return to Wolves, he could also drop out of the side.
John Souttar returned from injury to make the bench against Hibs and may come back into the starting XI.
The Scotland international, who recently agreed a one-year contract extension, will also be targeting a place in the World Cup squad.
Tuur Rommens should continue at left-back as he attempts to establish himself as first choice heading into next season.
This is despite reported interest in former Hearts defender James Penrice.
Midfield future planning matters
In midfield, Connor Barron impressed against Hibs despite the defeat and, with Raskin unavailable, is expected to anchor the midfield three.
Thelo Aasgaard will likely retain his place after scoring from a free-kick in midweek.
The remaining midfield spot may come down to either the out-of-form Tochi Chukwuani or Mohamed Diomande.
The Ivorian has also been linked with a summer departure.
With the Dane a certain member of the squad next season, this may pip him above Diomande for the match.
There is also a possibility Rangers U19 captain Aiden McCallion could make his debut in midfield.
However, that may depend on his involvement on Friday evening.
Mikey Moore set for Falkirk farewell for Rangers
Mikey Moore is expected to start in attack in what will likely be his final match for Rangers before returning to Spurs.
The 18-year-old recently spoke about his affection for the club after spending the season in Scotland.
“I have so much love for everyone,” he said.
“I understand the way people feel, and I have tried to give my all for the club.
“This club has been a huge part of who I am going to become. I am a fan of this club for the rest of my life.
“I will miss the fans the most, I have never felt love as much as I have felt here.
“It is nice to get that recognition that I have here.
“It is the best support I have ever seen personally, and they deserve more.”
Rangers striker to start at Falkirk despite season of “failure”
Moore should be joined in attack by Youssef Chermiti.
The Portuguese striker recently described Rangers’ season as a “failure” but dismissed suggestions that sweeping changes are required this summer.
“To be honest, I don’t think we need any change,” he said.
“But this is not my job. My job is just to play, trying to score goals, assist, fight for these badges.
“This season was a shame for us and we’re trying to go again.”
Andreas Skov Olsen is expected to return to Wolfsburg.
With Rangers unlikely to make the move permanent, he will again be absent from the right flank.
Oliver Antman has started the previous two matches without making a major impact and may drop out of the side.
Expect Djeidi Gassama to return on the right wing, with 17-year-old Zebedee Lawson potentially appearing from the bench later in the game.
Predicted Rangers XI: Butland; Aarons, Souttar, Fernandez, Rommens; Barron, Chukwuani, Aasgaard; Gassama, Moore, Chermiti.
