Rangers’ season so far has been a big letdown especially considering how monumental the expectations were. 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 look quite comfortable at the top of the table with 19 points from 7 games whereas Rangers are not even in top four.
The Gers will travel to Tulloch Caledonian Stadium on Friday night to take on Inverness Caledonian Thistle. The hosts are on a five-game unbeaten run but only two of those were wins while three were draws. They sit 8th in the table on 9 points, 3 behind 5th-placed Rangers who secured a 2-0 victory over Partick Thistle last time out.
Rangers looked solid against Partick Thistle prior to the international break and Warburton will demand the same from his side when they take on Inverness on Friday.
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 will be looking to offer a helping hand to their attacking teammates with their attacking forays from down the flanks.
Rob Kiernan missed the last few games with an injury and should be back to the starting XI. Kiernan and Wilson still remain the first-choice centre-back pairing at Ibrox despite the arrival of experienced duo Clint Hill and Philippe Senderos. Rangers need their back four to do well in order to improve their league position.
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 three 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 keep his place in the middle of the park after his impressive display against Partick Thistle.
Attack
Kenny Miller is likely to start up front as the target man with Martyn Waghorn operating as the wide forward from the right. Barrie McKay will keep his place on the left.
