Here is a brief FM20 team guide of the Rangers squad, their club structure, relationship any potential managers will have with the board, expectations and possible tactics any FM manager can use.
About the club
Rangers are a football club based out of Glasgow who ply their trade in the Scottish Premiership. They are one of the 2 biggest football clubs in Scotland having won the league title no less than 54 times, the Scottish Cup 33 times and the Scottish League cup 27 times.
Rangers became the first British club to reach a UEFA tournament when they reached the finals of the 1961 European cup winners cup. They have the privilege of being the club with the most league titles and domestic trebles in the world.
Their rivalry with Celtic is legendary with many calling it the “old Firm” and the biggest derby in football history.
Board Expectations
Rangers have qualified for the Europa League this season via the playoffs, since you will be starting the game from the beginning of the season, you’ll have to see through the qualification games. The board requirements should be,
- Qualify for the Euro Cup
- Win the Scottish Cup
- Reach the Knockout of the UEFA Europa League.
- Win the Betfred Cup.
There will be no particular football philosophies for you to be judged on as Rangers are not as strong as they once were conceding the league title 8 times in a row to fierce derby rival Celtic. The transfer and wage budgets will be very average with only 1/5th
The Training and youth facilities at Rangers are very good and rank amongst the best in the league.
Squad, Formation and Tactical Style
A fluid counter-attacking style of football works best for this Rangers squad. Against weaker teams that will sit back, you will probably be well advised to use a vertical tiki-taka style of football which will ensure you create more chances.
A 4-3-3 formation is how Rangers line up in real life and it is best if we mimic this approach. This will help in releasing the wingers enabling fast counter attacks. Alternatively, you can go for a 4-2-3-1 formation too if you wish to be more attacking.
A rough example of what your line-up would look like in a 4-3-3 formation is as follows,
- Allan McGregor as a regular keeper
- Connor Goldson & Filip Helander as the 2 centre backs.
- James Tavernier & Borna Barisic as the 2 full-backs, they are generally attacking full-backs and you increase crossing instructions for better results.
- Steven Davis, Glen Kamara & Scott Arfield in a 3 man central midfield, with Davis playing as a deep defending playmaker, Kamara having a more box to box role and Arfield operating as a Mezzala.
- Sheyi Ojo & Brandon Barker as the 2 wingers with Ojo given more freedom to attack.
- Alfredo Morelos the lone forward to be played in a centre forward role.
Alternatively, when you change to a 4-2-3-1, you can play Joe Aribo as an attacking midfielder.
Key Players
1. Alfredo Morelos
Morelos was the leading goalscorer in the Scottish Premier League in the 2018-2019 season with 18 league goals to his name. Him giving out similar performances is crucial to you achieving the goals this time around.
2. Jermaine Defoe
Defoe may not even be starting most games for you but the 37-year-old veteran is still a very good attacker. He can turn games after coming from the bench and his experience of playing against the best opposition will come to the fore during tight encounters.
3. Connor Goldson
Goldson is an accomplished defender and is one of the best in the Scottish Premier League. At just 25, the defender still has many of his best years ahead of him and can go on to become a Rangers legend under the proper manager.
4. Sheyi Ojo
Ojo who is on loan from Liverpool is a high-quality winger who will contribute to a lot of goals from the right wing with his pace and trickery.
Weaknesses
- Despite being the best team in the Scottish Premiership, Rangers are a relatively weaker side in European competitions.
- With a very minimal transfer budget and a lower quality side than derby rivals Celtic, challenging for the title will be a bit tricky.
- With the Scottish Premiership being a lower-tier league, bigger European clubs can easily poach away your best prospects.
Potential Transfers (in)
Rangers are not the best squad in the league with respect to squad depth, these players could be welcome additions to the side.
- Rick Van Drongelen
- Viktor Fischer
Potential Transfers (Out)
These players may be surplus to requirements at the club or may not be of the expected quality.
- Greg Stewart
- Jordan Jones
Young Prospects
There are a few exciting young prospects in the ranks who have the potential to be the best players in the league, they are
- Ross McRorie (CB)
- Glenn Middleton (AML)
- Dapo Mebude (ST)
FM20 Team Guide - Rangers FC
To summarize, Rangers are one the strongest team in the Scottish Premier League and will probably compete for the title most times, but the real challenge lies in to bring the club into European competitions and challenging some of the best clubs in the world, are you up for it?