Rangers will be in action on 28th December against St. Johnstone who are in pretty decent form this season. The Saints are fifth in the table with 27 points to their name and have lost just one of their last six games. In three days’ time after this game, Rangers will have the best possible opportunity to welcome the New Year on a good note.
We will witness the Old Firm Derby on the New Years’ Eve. Both Celtic and Rangers are playing on Wednesday and are expected to rest a few of their key players in the midweek so that they have their best team fresh for the derby.
Rangers could not start their comeback season in the Premiership as they would have wished for. However, Warburton’s side have found that consistency of late and now look in control of the second spot in the table. Warburton’s boys have four back to back wins heading to the midweek game against St. Johnstone and will be looking to gain more momentum with a big win at McDiarmid Park.
The two teams have played 35 matches against each other in all competitions. Rangers have won 25 out of those while the Saints have won 6 games. The reverse fixture ended in a stalemate back in October.
Team news
St. Johnstone
Michael Coulson and Ally Gilchrist are both out with injuries.
Rangers
Niko Kranjcar is out for the rest of the season while Jordan Rossiter is closing on a return to training. Skipper Le Wallace could miss the game with a minor hamstring injury.
Predicted lineups
St. Johnstone (4-4-1-1): Clark; Foster, Anderson, Shaughnessy, Easton; Alston, Davidson, Millar, Wotherspoon; Swanson; Kane
Rangers (4-3-3): Foderingham; Tavernier, Kiernan, Wilson, Hodson; Halliday, Holt, Windass; McKay, Garner, Waghorn
Key players
St. Johnstone: Danny Swanson
The 29-year-old attacking midfielder has been the standout performer for the Saints this season. The Scotsman has scored seven goals and set up four assists from 15 games this season. He plays just behind the striker Chris Kane and is enjoying the freedom. Rangers’ biggest challenge will be to keep Swanson quite.
Rangers: Andy Halliday
Halliday has established himself as a pivotal player at Ibrox. He plays at the base of Rangers’ 3-man midfield and his main job is to destroy opponents’ game. The Scotsman makes Rangers tick with his passing and composed display. Halliday playing well is a must for Rangers to win the game.
Odds
St. Johnstone win @4/1
Draw @3/1
Rangers win @1/3
