When Rangers made their way back to the top tier winning the Scottish Championship last season quite convincingly, many thought that the monopoly of Celtic in the Premiership will finally come to an end. However, it has been far from that at least till now as the Hoops looks quite comfortable at the top of the table with 16 points from 6 games whereas the Gers are not even in the top half. Rangers are right now with just nine points from seven games and look far from a side capable of challenging Celtic for the title.
Rangers are on the back of a 1-2 loss against Aberdeen from the last weekend which stretched their winless streak in the Premiership to four games. The Gers have a golden opportunity on their hands this Saturday to get back to winnings ways when they host bottom of the table Partick Thistle at Ibrox.
Here is the predicted Rangers lineup against Partick Thistle.
Defence
Wes Foderingham should keep his place under the bar with ease ahead of veteran Matt Gilks. James Tavernier and Lee Wallace will start in the two full-back positions. The two full-backs love to bomb forward on every opportunity and will be looking to trouble the visitors. Rob Kiernan missed the last couple of games with injury and is unlikely to make it in time for the Partick Thistle game. Even though Philippe Senderos is available, the Swiss getting a start unless the other alternatives are injured is doubtful after the dismal debut he had for Rangers in their emphatic defeat against Celtic. Therefore, Clint Hill and Danny Wilson will start at the heart of the defence.
Midfield
Andy Halliday should start in defensive midfield. With Joey Barton suspended by Rangers, there is a big void to fill in the middle of the park. The 24-year-old did a great job in the last two games in that role and is likely to continue at the base of midfield.
Jason Holt provides a lot of energy in the middle of the park and should keep his place in the starting XI. We expect Niko Kranjcar to slot in central midfield replacing Harry Forrester.
Attack
It is shocking to see Warburton persisting on using Martyn Waghorn as a wide forward and now the fans have also started raising their voice over it. We expect Warburton to use the Englishman as a number nine against Partick Thistle with O’Halloran and Forrester on the flanks.
