Rangers will kick off the new season in the Scottish Premiership with a home tie against Hamilton Academical on Saturday. The Gers had been absent from the Premiership for four long years since their liquidation and will be playing their hearts out against Hamilton to celebrate their comeback in style while the visitors will be looking to spoil the party. Hamilton, whilst not exactly hitting the heights of the previous season had a decent season and ensured Premiership football with quite an ease.
Hamilton come into this match in decent form having won their last three League Cup matches scoring nine and conceding three. However, Rangers are on a roll in the League Cup having won all their four games. Warburton’s side scored 10 goals in the four games without a reply. So, the momentum is pretty much with Rangers.
Rangers did excellent business in the summer improving each department of their first team with quality and experience. The Glasgow giants’ eyes are firmly set on the biggest prize i.e. the Premiership and a strong start is all they need to ignite fuel in the title race with Rodgers’ new-look Celtic.
Here is the predicted Rangers lineup against Hamilton Academical
Defence
Wes Foderingham is likely to start between the sticks ahead of Matt Gilks. Warburton is likely to field the same back four that earned an emphatic 3-0 win against Stranraer in the League Cup. Rob Kiernan and Danny Wilson will be the centre-back pairing while bombarding full-backs James Tavernier and Lee Wallace will keep their places.
Midfield
Warburton has plenty of options at his disposal while selecting his best midfield trio. The Englishman is likely to opt for the experience of Barton ahead of young Jordan Rossiter. Niko Kranjcar will also keep his place in the middle of the park and will pretty much act like the brain of the side with his creativity. 24-year-old Andy Halliday was one of the unsung heroes for Rangers last season and the Scotsman will definitely keep his place in defensive midfield protecting the back four and spraying the ball to his attackers.
Attack
Youngster Barrie McKay is a key player for Warburton and will start on the left flank while James Forrester is likely to start on the right. Martyn Waghorn will be the undisputed choice up front from Warburton.
