---
title: "Lawrence Shankland dilemma ahead of Jagiellonia v Rangers clash"
canonical: "https://readrangers.com/2026/08/06/lawrence-shankland-dilemma-jagiellonia-v-rangers"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
section: "Articles and Opinions"
published: "2026-08-06T13:47:06Z"
modified: "2026-09-22T16:13:26Z"
---

# Lawrence Shankland dilemma ahead of Jagiellonia v Rangers clash

**Derek McInnes has a Lawrence Shankland dilemma to contend with ahead of the Jagiellonia Bialystok vs. Rangers Europa League qualifying clash.**

This isn’t about any injury problem or issue with the striker, but what gives Rangers the best opportunity to take a positive result back to Glasgow for the second leg next week.

We know that Derek McInnes generally prefers a 4-4-2, but surely the team requires a three-man midfield against Jagiellonia tonight?

Quite simply, we’re about to learn a lot regarding McInnes’ intentions and approach.

*[How to watch Jagiellonia Bialystok vs. Rangers – all you need to know](https://readrangers.com/2026/08/05/rangers-jagiellonia-tv-everything-need-to-know)*

## Lawrence Shankland dilemma

The captain usually plays most games, and for Rangers that man is Lawrence Shankland.

However, the Scotland international isn’t the most comfortable or effective as a lone striker, which is likely to be deployed if the manager opts for a three-man midfield.

Some would say that Youssef Chermiti did not give his best when played up front alone, and there is merit in that argument, but he is best placed to hold the ball, to occupy defenders and get Rangers up the pitch.

The Shankland and striker situation is just one question as part of Rangers’ overall approach tonight.

### Rangers need to be wary of Jagiellonia

Rangers will respect Jagiellonia Bialystok in this Europa League third qualifying round clash.

The Polish side have a formidable record in Europe in recent seasons.

In their last two campaigns, they have been defeated at home on just two occasions, making it out of the Conference League group stage both years.

They are a decent team, backed by a vociferous home support, and the visitors will need to be wary.

If McInnes opts for a 4-4-2, in this writer’s opinion, that is an unnecessary risk for the first leg.

Rangers must be strong in the midfield, in numbers. We can’t afford to be stretched or overworked too early.

### Rangers’ formation against Jagiellonia

Could Lawrence Shankland play as a deep supporting striker if McInnes goes for a very narrow four in midfield? That’s possible, but it takes away from being able to get wide or direct on the counter-attack.

A back four in front of Ivor Pandur is expected. Anything else would be a surprise.

It’s all about the shape middle to front.

We need bodies in there, and as much control as possible. An instant recall for Nico Raskin can’t be ruled out, while Thelo Aasgard is likely to get the nod on the left hand side.

Whether Rangers line up in a 4-2-3-1, 4-3-3, or a hybrid shape like at Tannadice last week remains to be seen. Last Friday was far from a success, particularly in the first half, so it’s a big call for the manager.

It points to a Lawrence Shankland dilemma for Derek McInnes and what he believes gives Rangers the best chance of securing a positive result.