Deportivo Rayo Zuliano e Athletico-PR se enfrentam nesta terça-feira (7), pela quarta rodada da fase de grupos da Copa Sul-Americana. A bola vai rolar a partir das 19h (de Brasília), no Estadio Nacional Brígido Iriarte, em Caracas, com transmissão da Paramount +.
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✅ FICHA TÉCNICA RAYO ZULIANO X ATHLETICO-PR COPA SUL-AMERICANA – FASE DE GRUPOS -QUARTA RODADA
🗓️Data e horário:terça-feira, 7 de maio de 2024, às 19h (de Brasília) 📍Local:Estadio Nacional Brígido Iriarte 📺Onde assistir:Paramount+ 🟨Árbitro:Angel Arteaga (VEN) 🚩Assistentes:Alberto Ponte (VEN) e Freker Colmemares (VEN) 🖥️VAR:Carlos Orbe (EQU)
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⚽PROVÁVEIS ESCALAÇÕES NACIONAL-PAR (Técnico: Elvis Martinez) Luis Corredor; Edison Penilla, Hermes Rodríguez e Diego Melean; Kenin Ulises Urueta, Edwin Castro, Albert Barboza e Angel Faria; Gerardo Padron (Yeferson Paz), Saimon Ramírez e Junior Colina
ATHLETICO-PR (Técnico: Cuca) Bento; Léo Godoy, Kaique Rocha, Gamarra e Esquivel; Fernandinho, Erick e Christian (Zapelli); Julimar (Canobbio), Cuello e Pablo
Paulistão, Campeonato Carioca, Premier League e La Liga são os principais destaques desta quarta-feira (31) de futebol. Confira onde assistir ao vivo e o horário dos jogos de hoje.
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Shohei Ohtani is like the wild card in the card game Uno in that his play can often dictate how the Dodgers—and entire series as a whole—will fare. As National League Championship Series MVP, Ohtani's two-way prowess was on full display during the Dodgers' Game 4 victory, in which he belted three home runs as a hitter and struck out 10 batters over six scoreless innings as a pitcher. Ohtani has continued to amaze in the World Series against the Blue Jays, and he is set to take center stage once again in Game 7 on Saturday night.
The Dodgers earlier Saturday announced that Ohtani will start Game 7 against the Blue Jays, meaning he will also reprise his role as the club's designated hitter.
But, keeping the so-called Ohtani Rule in mind, there are a multitude of other ways Los Angeles could utilize Ohtani. First, let's dive into the rulebook.
What is the "Ohtani Rule?"
While the rule technically isn't named after Ohtani, it has become associated with him given that he's the only player—so far—that the rule largely applies to. Beginning in 2022, the MLB introduced a rule that coincided with the implementation of the designated hitter full time in the National League.
The rule states that if the starting pitcher is also in the lineup as the DH, he can remain as the DH even if he is removed as the pitcher. In the past, if the starting pitcher was also in the lineup, the DH was forfeited and a relief pitcher occupied his spot in the lineup. In starting Ohtani in Game 7, the Dodgers will be making use of the Ohtani Rule as they have for much of the regular season and postseason.
But there are other ways, within the rules, that Los Angeles could use the two-way star.
How could the "Ohtani Rule" affect Game 7?Ohtani starts the game, leaves for a reliever and remains the DH, then returns to close the game
Ohtani entering the game in relief would have been a possibility even if he wasn't named Saturday's starter. Amazingly, it's still a possibility that he could be the game's starting pitcher and come into the game later on as a relief pitcher.
Here's how.
Ohtani could start, be removed from the game in favor of a Dodgers reliever, and remain the team's designated hitter as he always does per the "Ohtani Rule." Here‘s where the twist comes into play. If the Dodgers are clinging to a ninth-inning lead and require his services once more, Ohtani could then re-enter the game as a relief pitcher, but the Dodgers would forfeit the DH spot. Just imagine the peak theater that Ohtani re-entering Game 7 of the World Series as a closer would be. However, this also means that if the game were to continue beyond the ninth inning, a pitcher or pinch hitter would be required to bat in the Dodgers' lineup and Ohtani would not be able to hit again unless…
Ohtani starts the game, leaves for a reliever and remains the DH, then returns to close the game, then becomes an outfielder
This would be the work-around to losing Ohtani's bat after his relief appearance, should the game play out that way. We saw the Dodgers and Blue Jays play an 18-inning contest in Game 3, so another extra innings affair can't be ruled out. Should that happen, Ohtani, after exiting as a reliever, could remain in the lineup as an outfielder. It's a position that Ohtani played in the Nippon Professional Baseball league in Japan, appearing in 62 games for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. However, he has not played the outfield since 2021, when he made six appearances for the Angels. It would be pretty amazing to see Ohtani be a starting pitcher, hitter, relief pitcher and outfielder all in the same game.
This scenario would seem to be less likely than the previous, but Dodgers manager Dave Roberts left all options on the table for Ohtani.
"We’ll talk about everything,” Roberts had said on Ohtani playing outfield. “We’ll talk through whatever’s the best. If we get to that point, we’ll see, but he’s not going to play the outfield [in Game 6], I do know that. But, if we get to Game 7, we’ll have a good discussion about everything."
With a repeat championship on the line in Game 7, everything could indeed be on the table for the Dodgers when it comes to Ohtani.
Tony Bloom, who is the majority owner and chairman of Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion, has been accused of running a 'secret £600 million ($800m) betting syndicate', with some of the accounts used alleged to belong to a former chief of staff of Reform UK MP Nigel Farage.
A high court document has alleged that George Cottrell, a close associate of Reform leader Farage, was in charge of a major gambling syndicate that was "given control" of his betting accounts. It is also alleged Cottrell acted as a "stalking horse", as report, for a syndicate involving Bloom, according to the public documents filed at the high court. A 19-page file is part of an active dispute between Bloom and Ryan Dudfield, a former associate whose lawyers argue is owed gambling profits in the estimate region of £189m ($250m). The collective is known as Starlizard Betting Syndicate and is said to make around £600m each year in winnings, with bets being placed on the accounts of "footballers, sportsmen and businessmen", the documents claim.
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'Cottrell lost large sums of money'
"Cottrell was not a particularly successful gambler, and frequently lost large sums of money," it is further added, and "Mr Cottrell had given control of his betting accounts to Mr Bloom and the Syndicate so that it was not necessary for bets to be sent to Mr Cottrell for him to place". While the syndicates total winnings are unknown, Dudfield has claimed he could be owed as much as $17.5m, as a profits-share deal apparently entitles him to 7% of its winnings.
"The claimant was told…that the syndicate’s use of Mr Cottrell’s betting accounts had ceased," the documents allege. "In fact Mr McAleavy and Mr Cottrell both knew that the Syndicate was continuing to make use of Mr Cottrell’s betting accounts and they both knew that very significant profits had/could be made as a result of the bets that had been placed and were to be placed."
Who is Brighton owner Tony Bloom?
Brighton chairman Bloom is one of the world's most successful gamblers, having built a large amount of his fortune through poker and other related activities in the industry. A longtime Seagulls fan, Bloom became the club's chairman in 2009 and soon secured a 75% shareholding stake of the club, investing £93m to aid the development of the AMEX Stadium. He has helped the south coast club rise from an average League One team to Premier League regulars, with the Albion impressing around Europe with their vastly successful scouting system. Brighton have made considerable profits after signing and selling the likes of Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister, Yves Bissouma, Joao Pedro, Marc Cucurella and Ben White. His side enjoyed a positive first season under Fabian Hurzeler last term, finishing eighth and only four points off the European qualification places, and could go as high as third in the Premier League table on Wednesday night if they manage to beat Aston Villa.
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What comes next?
Lawyers who are acting on behalf of Cottrell and Bloom have been approached for comment, while Bloom is yet to file a defence against the claim. As for Brighton's on-field matters, they will soon head into a hectic festive schedule packed with fixtures. After their clash with Villa, they take on West Ham United, Liverpool, Sunderland, Arsenal and West Ham again before 2026 rolls in.
The allrounder admits white-ball cricket has taken a backseat in the last 12 months but believes he can shine in the format
Andrew McGlashan15-Sep-2025Beau Webster is keen to push his credentials as a one-day cricketer ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup although concedes the white-ball formats have taken a backseat in recent times amid his rise to Test cricket.Webster will feature at the start of the One-Day Cup for Tasmania this week when they begin their campaign against New South Wales in Sydney on Tuesday before facing Victoria in Brisbane on Friday ahead of the Sheffield Shield early next month.Webster’s List A record with the bat is middling – an average of 30.31 and strike rate of 77.10 – with his only century coming back in 2017 for a Cricket Australia XI when they fielded a development side in the one-day competition.Related
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Having made 315 runs at 52.50 in the 2023-24 season he managed just 31 in three innings last summer, although impressed with the ball as he claimed 16 wickets at 9.56 including a career-best 6 for 17 against Western Australia at the WACA when the home side suffered an astonishing collapse of 8 for 1.”I’d love to play white-ball cricket for Australia,” Webster told ESPNcricinfo. “Probably more so one-day cricket than T20 at this stage. It just feels a bit like I haven’t played it for a long time.”The last 12 months I’ve been solely focused on red-ball cricket and that’s in county cricket, Shield cricket and Test cricket. It feels like I’ve hardly hit a white ball and the things that go along with training for white-ball is a lot different than they are for red-ball.”I feel like my red-ball game’s in a really good place and I’ve got my preparation down to a tee. I suppose that I haven’t really thought too much about it [white-ball cricket] but obviously if the opportunity came and they needed what I do, I’d absolutely jump at it and love to represent the country in the colours.”The next men’s 50-over tournament is the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia which will be held in October and November of that year. Webster’s brisk medium pace and batting strength against pace bowling could be suited to conditions in Southern Africa.Australia’s 50-over side is going through something of a transition, especially in the batting, following the retirements of Steven Smith and Glenn Maxwell. Aaron Hardie struggled in the No. 7 role in his recent opportunities against South Africa. Webster’s Tasmania team-mate Mitchell Owen had been due to feature in the series before suffering concussion.”I hope I’m in the conversation if I can continue to score runs in the One-Day Cup for Tasmania and Test level”•AFP/Getty Images”I think if you’re scoring runs and taking wickets in Test cricket, you’re always going to be seen as an option,” Webster said. “If you’re doing it at that level…there are a lot of transferable skills across from Test cricket to one-day cricket. So I hope I’m in the conversation if I can continue to score runs in the One-Day Cup for Tasmania and Test level. I hope my name gets thrown around for a potential debut.”Webster plans to play most, if not all, of Tasmania’s cricket before the start of the Ashes – where he potentially faces a selection squeeze depending on how the team is balanced – although may have his bowling workload managed as the first part of the season progresses.”I think I’ll try and definitely play all four of them [the Shield matches] and try and get Tassie off to a good start and get us to the top end of the table,” he said. “Then the bowling side of things we just might have to manage a little bit if we end up bowling a little bit too much. Those last two games might be managed a little bit, but I’ll be at all four.”On the theme of white-ball cricket, Webster has moved home to defending champions Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL although if he is part of the Ashes series he may not feature until after the final Test and he’s realistic that it will be a challenge to get into the line-up.”I think it’s going to be a hard-fought top six to get into,” he said. “We’ve kept the majority of the list from the title-winning team there and everyone wants to bat at Bellerive. It’s a great place to bat and we’ve got some world-class batters in that XI. Hopefully I can be with the Ashes series for all five Tests and then come back to the Hurricanes and play a role if they need me.”
Ruturaj Gaikwad is set to play his first professional game since his elbow injury during IPL 2025
ESPNcricinfo staff14-Aug-2025Prithvi Shaw has been picked in Maharashtra’s 17-member squad for the All India Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament in Chennai from August 18 to September 9. This will be Shaw’s first tournament for Maharashtra, after his move from Mumbai in July.Shaw joined Maharashtra after requesting a no-objection certificate from Mumbai, who had dropped him dropped from their Ranji Trophy squad in 2024-25 due to poor fitness and lack of discipline.The Maharashtra squad, captained by Ankit Bawne, also includes Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is set to play his first professional game since his elbow injury during IPL 2025. Gaikwad had played for India A during an intra-squad warm-up match ahead of India’s Test series in England.Related
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However, Gaikwad and wicketkeeper Saurabh Nawale will likely leave after Maharashtra’s first game to link up with the West Zone squad in Bengaluru for the Duleep Trophy. A direct entry into the semi-finals means West Zone’s first game will begin on September 4.Ayush Mhatre named Mumbai captainAyush Mhatre, who captained India Under-19 during their recent tour of England, will lead Mumbai in the Buchi Babu Tournament. Mhatre, 18, had a memorable IPL 2025 with Chennai Super Kings after being called up as Gaikwad’s injury replacement. He was also the leading run-scorer (340 in four innings) in the U-19 Tests in England.Mumbai’s squad includes Sarfaraz Khan and his brother Musheer, who had suffered “a fracture in the neck region” in a road accident in September last year and missed the domestic season. His lone appearance since his recovery was for Punjab Kings, in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.Maharashtra Squad: Ankit Bawane (capt), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prithvi Shaw, Siddhesh Veer, Sachin Dhas, Arshin Kulkarni, Harshal Kate, Siddharth Mhatre, Saurabh Nawale (wk), Mandar Bhandari (wk), Ramakrishna Ghosh, Mukesh Choudhary, Pradeep Dadhe, Vicky Ostwal, Hitesh Walunj, Prashant Solanki, Rajvardhan Hangargekar.Mumbai squad: Ayush Mhatre (capt), Musheer Khan, Divyansh Saxena, Sarfaraz Khan, Suved Parkar (vc), Pragnesh Kanpillewar, Harsh Aghav, Sairaj Patil, Aakash Parkar, Aakash Anand (wk), Hardik Tamore (wk), Shreyas Gurav, Yash Dicholkar, Himanshu Singh, Royston Dias, Sylvester DâEUR(tm)Souza, Irfan Umair
Everton have begun the 2025/26 season in encouraging fashion under David Moyes, demonstrating a level of resilience that has been a hallmark of the Scot’s management.
Their 8th-place standing with eleven points from three wins reflects a side gradually regaining confidence.
This includes victories against Wolves, Brighton, and a dramatic comeback over Crystal Palace, which ended the Eagles’ club-record 19-match unbeaten run.
A narrow defeat to Liverpool has also shown that Everton are competitive even against stronger opposition. This resurgence mirrors personal story arcs within the squad.
Several players are rediscovering form or thriving in new roles, their performances central to Everton’s improvement.
Last season, Everton climbed from mid-table mediocrity to 13th place following a strong second half of the campaign.
The current season sees similar trajectories, with key individuals revitalising their careers and contributing decisively in both goals and assists.
For a team balancing Premier League and European ambitions, these personal revivals are proving crucial.
Analysing Jack Grealish's revival at Everton
Few players embody Everton’s resurgence like Jack Grealish, the 30-year-old forward whose career has been revitalised since joining Goodison Park.
After struggling with injuries at Manchester City – missing 17 games over the past two seasons due to hip and groin problems – Grealish has found a regular rhythm under Moyes.
He has played 557 Premier League minutes in seven games, scoring one goal and providing four assists, already approaching last season’s totals.
Grealish’s influence is evident in his match-winning contributions.
He scored a 93rd-minute winner against Crystal Palace, securing the comeback that saw Everton climb the table.
Moyes’ decision to place faith in Grealish has clearly paid off; the player himself is thriving, enjoying regular minutes and responsibility.
This consistent involvement has also caught the attention of England manager Thomas Tuchel, who emphasised that regular football is vital for World Cup consideration.
Statistically, Grealish demonstrates why he remains central to Everton’s attacking identity.
In his most successful season – the 2022/23 treble-winning campaign – he averaged 6.27 progressive carries per 90, 4.39 progressive passes per 90, and covered a progressive passing distance of 113.3 metres per 90.
He completed 84.1% of his passes, generated 4.55 shot-creating actions per 90, executed 1.97 successful take-ons per 90, and made 42 carries per 90, with 33.9 touches in the attacking third.
These numbers illustrate not only his creativity but his ability to influence games consistently, reinforcing his value to Moyes’ project.
Grealish has become synonymous with Everton’s resurgence, his technical ability, vision, and leadership setting the standard for others in the squad, such as his heir apparent Tyler Dibling.
His reinvention in blue serves as a blueprint for younger or previously underutilised players seeking to find their feet at Goodison Park.
Everton's other Grealish-type sensation
Another player following a similar path is Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, the 27-year-old central midfielder who joined Everton from Chelsea on a five-year contract worth £28m.
At Chelsea, he had a bit-part role, mainly appearing as a substitute and in Conference League fixtures, though he did feature in the Club World Cup final win against PSG.
At Everton, he has taken on a more central role, playing seven times in all competitions this season, scoring once and providing one assist.
Described as a “revelation” at the King Power by Brendan Rodgers in the past, Dewsbury-Hall’s having a similar impact as a highly effective cog in Moyes’ machine.
Aggressive in duels, adept at reading the game, and confident in possession, he combines defensive responsibility with ball-carrying ability.
Statistically, he ranks in the 74th percentile for pass completion (80.4%), 82nd percentile for progressive passes per 90 (5.46), 87th percentile for tackles per 90 (1.90), and 98th percentile for clearances per 90 (1.54).
Matches Played
6
Goals
1
Assists
1
Progressive Carries
10
Progressive Passes
34
His ability to break up play while advancing the ball mirrors some of Grealish’s influence higher up the pitch.
While Grealish brings creativity and goal involvement, Dewsbury-Hall contributes through stability, aggression, and intelligence in midfield.
He covers ground, reads the game well, and consistently makes positive choices on the ball.
Like Grealish, he is rediscovering form and impact, highlighting Moyes’ capacity to rejuvenate players who may have stagnated elsewhere.
If he continues on this trajectory, Dewsbury-Hall could become a central figure in Everton’s midfield, much as Grealish has in attack.
His development underscores the importance of trusting players, particularly those previously underused, and demonstrates how Moyes can cultivate personal resurgence that directly benefits the team.
For Everton, while young Dibling looks a player for the future, both Grealish and Dewsbury-Hall represent key pillars of their season – one providing flair, the other balance – with the potential to help maintain top-half stability and mount a challenge for European qualification.
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Thomas Frank’s appointment as Tottenham Hotspur boss generated huge excitement amongst the fanbase this summer, with the Dane having the chance to build on the Europa League triumph.
He spent seven years in charge of Brentford before his arrival, often relying upon talents such as Bryan Mbeumo to provide the goods within the final third across the capital.
The Cameroonian international thrived under Frank’s guidance in the Premier League, netting 20 times in the top-flight last season, subsequently making him one of the division’s hottest properties.
After the 51-year-old took charge of the Lilywhites, a real sense of excitement built at the prospect of the Dane bringing the 26-year-old with him in an attempt to sustain the recent European triumph.
However, despite interest in his signature, Mbeumo would move to Manchester United in a £71m transfer – a huge amount of money and potentially a slight overpay.
As a result, the new boss has had to rely on another summer addition and one player already on the books to try and provide the impact he desires within attacking areas.
Kudus & Johnson’s start to the 2025/26 season at Spurs
After missing out on Mbeumo’s signature, Spurs forked out £55m for the services of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United to try and hand the manager his next version of the Cameroonian.
Such a deal may have been an expensive one, but it’s a transfer that has been worth every penny to date, with the Ghanaian already registering one goal and four assists in his first ten outings.
His first goal for the Lilywhites came in the recent triumph over Leeds United, subsequently highlighting his ability to pop up with crucial goals when the side need him most.
Kudus isn’t alone in falling into that category, with teammate Brennan Johnson also able to score key goals for the Lilywhites, as seen by his winner in the Europa League final last campaign.
Whilst he’s already scored three times across all competitions, the Welsh international has failed to start a single league game since the end of August and has rapidly fallen down the pecking order.
The 24-year-old will likely be disappointed with his lack of action, which has potentially been impacted by the arrival of Kudus during the recent transfer window.
Whilst both are hugely talented players, it remains to be seen if any can reach the levels produced by Mbeumo in recent times, but one other star already in the ranks could achieve such a feat, given the similarities in their careers.
The Spurs star who could be Frank’s next Mbeumo
Over the last couple of seasons, Spurs have splashed the cash to try and compete with teams around them, as seen by the respective deals to land Kudus and Johnson.
Around £400m has been spent in recent years to catapult the club to the needed success, with such spending undoubtedly helping them claim European glory back in May.
Various recruitment strategies have been in place over recent times, often signing a mixture of youth talent for the future, or players entering their prime and able to make an immediate impact.
However, players sometimes cross over both categories, as seen by the arrival of attacker Wilson Odobert from Burnley back in the summer of 2024.
A deal for the Frenchman certainly came out of nowhere, with the Lilywhites hierarchy paying £25m for his signature after the Clarets suffered relegation back to the Championship.
Whilst the 20-year-old has only made 30 appearances throughout the injury, he’s still managed to impress in North London and show glimpses of his potential and talents.
Odobert, who’s been dubbed “phenomenal” by one analyst, has already scored three times for the club, two of which came during their Europa League-winning campaign in 2024/25 – already highlighting his ability to produce the goods in key moments.
Whilst his goalscoring tally isn’t as impressive as Mbeumo’s, the similarities are there for everyone to see, with the Frenchman moving to England from Troyes.
The now Man Utd talent did the exact same upon his transfer to Brentford back in the summer of 2019 – subsequently needing time to make a huge impact in England.
Games played
16
Goals & assists
1
Pass accuracy
85%
Successful dribbles
1.3
Chances created
0.9
Shots taken
1.4
Touches in opposition box
4.1
Recoveries made
3.6
He struggled to register double figures in goals for each of his first three top-flight campaigns, but the Bees’ patience was certainly rewarded, as seen by his tallies and fee generated in recent times.
Odobert could do the exact same for the Lilywhites in the years ahead, with the club and fanbase needing to support the winger in his attempts for success in North London.
At just 20, he has bags of time to live up to the potential he arrived with, but it’s crucial that Frank works his magic once again to create another world-class attacker.
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Should he get anywhere close to Mbeumo’s level, it would be a sensational piece of business and one that could help the Lilywhites sustain their recent success in Europe or even domestically.
Glasgow Rangers head coach Russell Martin is aiming to win back-to-back matches in the Scottish Premiership for the first time since arriving at Ibrox in the summer.
The Light Blues manager seems to be under constant pressure and recent performances and results have not done much to get any supporters who are not pleased with the direction of travel back onside.
The highlights above illustrate why there is a section of the fanbase that is less-than-pleased with the performances, because the manner of the goals that they conceded against Sturm Graz in the Europa League was not good enough.
Martin needed a stoppage-time winner from substitute Max Aarons to claim his first league win for the Light Blues last week against Livingston, as they were on the verge of failing to win a sixth successive Premiership game.
However, that win over Livingston does mean that the Gers can string back-to-back league wins together by coming out with all three points against Falkirk this afternoon.
What is the state of play of the Rangers squad heading into their last match before the international break?
The latest Rangers team news
Mohamed Diomande is back and available for selection after he was suspended for the 2-1 defeat to Sturm Graz because of his red card against Genk last week.
The Ivorian midfielder was an unused substitute in the 2-1 win over Livingston in the Premiership last weekend, though, so he may have to settle for a place on the bench again today.
Another player who may return to the squad is Lyall Cameron. He came back from injury to take his place on the bench against Sturm Graz after missing the win over Livingston, and could be among the substitutes for the clash this afternoon.
Three players who may miss out, though, are Kieran Dowell, who has not featured in a squad since August, Dujon Sterling, who is out with a long-term Achilles injury, and Rabbi Matondo, who has yet to make an appearance this season.
This means that Martin should have plenty of options to pick from across the park to put a team out on the pitch that is capable of delivering a performance that results in all three points coming back to Glasgow.
Starting XI for Rangers against Sturm Graz
Position
Starter
GK
Jack Butland
RB
James Tavernier
CB
John Souttar
CB
Derek Cornelius
LB
Jayden Meghoma
CM
Connor Barron
CM
Nicolas Raskin
CM
Thelo Aasgaard
RW
Oliver Antman
ST
Youssef Chermiti
LW
Djeidi Gassama
The Light Blues head coach may want to make some alterations to the starting line-up, as shown in the table above, from the 2-1 loss in Austria on Thursday night.
Martin’s side gave up three ‘big chances’ to the hosts, per Sofascore, and only created one of their own in the 90 minutes, which shows that they struggled defensively and offensively.
With this in mind, we have taken a look at some of the changes that the former Southampton boss could make to the XI for this clash with Falkirk, as Rangers look to head into the international break off the back of a win.
The Rangers changes Martin should make to face Falkirk
Starting off between the sticks, Jack Butland should keep his place in spite of an error for Sturm Graz’s opening goal. The former England international made a series of impressive saves that kept the scoreline down in Austria.
Martin may also stick with the exact same defensive line of James Tavernier, John Souttar, Derek Cornelius, and Jayden Meghoma, because there are not many suitable alternatives.
Tavernier, as captain, should keep his place. Meghoma is the only natural left-back in the squad, Cornelius is the only natural left-sided centre-back, and Nasser Djiga has not done enough in his performances this season to suggest that he can outperform Souttar.
However, the Rangers head coach may make three changes to his starting line-up further up the field in the midfield and the attack, starting with the middle of the park.
Thelo Aasgaard could finally be dropped from the starting XI after starting the last seven matches in the Premiership and the Europa League combined without delivering a single goal or assist.
His lack of contributions at the top end of the pitch should see him removed from the line-up, which could open the door for Nedim Bajrami to start in the left-sided central midfield position.
The Albania international scored against Alloa Athletic in his only start of the season in the League Cup, curling the ball into the top corner with a brilliant finish.
This suggests that the former Sassuolo star could offer more of a threat in the final third than Aasgaard has, as the summer signing from Luton is yet to score or assist a goal for the club.
Nicolas Raskin and Connor Barron could keep their places in the starting line-up in midfield next to Bajrami, but there could be two alterations to the front three.
Gassama, after scoring against Sturm Graz on Thursday, could keep his place in the starting XI, but the last game before the break could see Martin hand youngster Findlay Curtis a rare chance to impress.
The Scotland U21 international has scored three goals in all competitions this season, a return only Gassama has bettered out of the attackers, and could replace Oliver Antman to provide the Finnish winger with a rest before international duty.
Martin’s third and final change to the starting line-up could come in the centre-forward position, after Youssef Chermiti failed to impress from the start against Sturm Graz.
Youssef Chermiti
Premiership
Europa League
Appearances
2
2
Starts
0
2
Goals
0
0
Big chances created
0
0
Assists
0
0
Ground duel success rate
14%
33%
Aerial duel success rate
0%
38%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the £8m signing from Everton has struggled in and out of possession for the Light Blues in the Premiership and the Europa League since his move in the summer.
This is why Bojan Miovski should be brought back into the XI, because the Macedonia international is a proven Premiership performer who may just need something to go his way to start hitting form.
The left-footed star, as shown in the graphic above, proved his quality in Scottish football during his time with Aberdeen, but it is now down to him to show it for the Gers.
Miovski’s only goal for Rangers to date came against Hibernian in the League Cup, whilst Chermiti is yet to score for the club, and he will be hoping to add his first league goal this afternoon.
Not Miovski or Chermiti: Rangers star in danger of becoming the new Lammers
This Ibrox star could become the new Sam Lammers at Rangers, and it is not Bojan Miovski or Youssef Chermiti.
ByDan Emery Oct 3, 2025
Predicted Rangers XI to face Falkirk: Jack Butland; James Tavernier (C), John Souttar, Derek Cornelius, Jayden Meghoma; Connor Barron, Nicolas Raskin, Nedim Bajrami; Findlay Curtis, Bojan Miovski, Djeidi Gassama
CSK, who were unchanged, will be knocked out of the playoffs contention if they lose tonight
ESPNcricinfo staff30-Apr-20252:39
Cricinformed: PBKS’ opening fireworks
Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer chose to bowl after winning the toss against Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.PBKS suffered a major injury setback in the lead-up to the game, with allrounder Glenn Maxwell ruled out with a fractured finger – it is not yet known how long he will be out for, but Shreyas seemed to suggest he may miss the remainder of IPL 2025.Despite bowling first, PBKS named a starting XI of immense batting depth, with allrounders Azmatullah Omarzai, Harpreet Brar and Marco Jansen slotted in from Nos. 7 to 9 – all are likely to move down a spot with Prabhsimran Singh almost certain to come off the Impact Player bench and open the batting when they chase. Brar came in for Maxwell, meaning PBKS fielded only three overseas players.CSK, with just two wins in nine games so far, will be out of contention for the playoffs if they lose tonight. They named the same line-up that featured in their last match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.Chennai Super Kings: 1 Ayush Mhatre, 2 Shaik Rasheed, 3 Sam Curran, 4 Ravindra Jadeja, 5 Dewald Brevis, 6 Shivam Dube, 7 Deepak Hooda, 8 MS Dhoni (capt & wk), 9 Noor Ahmad, 10 Khaleel Ahmed, 11 Matheesha PathiranaCSK Impact bench: Anshul Kamboj, R Ashwin, Jamie Overton, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Ramakrishna GhoshPunjab Kings: 1 Priyansh Arya, 2 Josh Inglis (wk), 3 Shreyas Iyer (capt), 4 Nehal Wadhera, 5 Shashank Singh, 6 Suryansh Shedge, 7 Azmatullah Omarzai, 8 Harpreet Brar, 9 Marco Jansen, 10 Arshdeep Singh, 11 Yuzvendra ChahalImpact bench: Prabhsimran Singh, Musheer Khan, Xavier Bartlett, Pravin Dubey, Vijaykumar Vyshak