Rangers will finally get to play their first game after the winter break as their tie against Cowdenbeath in the Scottish Cup was postponed. They take on Kilmarnock midweek, and the Gers would be in a good mood as they currently sit level on points with Celtic.
The Gers only managed a draw when the two teams met earlier this season at Ibrox. However, the Bears are on an upward trajectory after their recent results and especially after the signings of Steven Davis and Jermain Defoe.
Team News
Graham Dorrans and Jamie Murphy are the only major absentee. Borna Barisic played the friendly against HJK Helsinki and gave a little bit off an injury scare. Gerrard seems frustrated with the Croatian defender as the manager said after the game, “I don’t know, you’ll have to ask Borna (On the fullback’s injury). He had me worried because he tapped the floor about 55 times, but I’m not sure, you’ll have to ask Borna. He looks like he’s moving okay now.”
The Croatian has often come down with injuries ever since his signing and maybe the manager indicated that the left back needs to toughen up a bit. We hope he would be alright to play the first game after the break as they need to keep up with Celtic.
Rangers predicted lineup Vs Kilmarnock
Formation (4-3-3)
Defence
Allan McGregor is a no brainer to start in goal for the Bears. We are still not sure about which pair is the best defensive duo in the eyes of Gerrard. Connor Goldson is a nailed on starter. The other spot has been rotated between Joe Worrall and Gareth McAuley over the past one odd month. We are going in with Joe Worrall for this game.
Borna Barisic should be fit enough to start as a left back. James Tavernier is going to reprise his usual right-back role.
Midfield
With Steven Davis coming in, Gerrard will have a decision to make. However, we think the midfield which did so well against Celtic should start again, and it would be unfair to the three if they were dropped. Therefore Ross McCrorie should start as the deepest man in midfield. Further up, Ryan Jack and Scott Arfield should occupy the central areas. Davis can always come in as a substitute later on in the game.
Ryan Kent is a nailed on starter from the left flank. Daniel Candeias should start down the right.
Forward
Gerrard had indicated that signing Defoe gives him that extra bit of flexibility in choosing his formation, but we don’t see the manager trying out new things in this tough away game. Therefore Morelos should lead the line, and if Rangers are level or trailing in the second half, we can see Morelos and Defoe play together.
