A disappointing draw against St. Johnstone at the Ibrox led to a massive setback for Rangers in the title battle. They are now eight points adrift of Celtic, the famous rivals who are closing in on an eighth successive Premiership glory. But the Bears must not give it up this early and should look to secure a commanding outcome against struggling Hamilton Academical at the SuperSeal Stadium.
The Gers grabbed a thumping 5-0 win against Kilmarnock this midweek in the Scottish Cup 5th Round replay. The confidence must be high among Steven Gerrard’s men who would be aiming to replicate the same on Sunday.
Team News
Rangers had suffered several injury woes earlier this campaign. But the scenario has changed a bit in recent weeks as they now have a shorter list of names who are out of action. Jamie Murphy is recovering well from a cruciate ligament injury but won’t be rushed and pushed into a first-team return. Eros Grezda is back in the full training, but the outing against the Accies might come too soon for the Albanian. Graham Dorrans’ nightmare continues in Scotland as he has received a new setback and is expected to be out for an extended period.
Alfredo Morelos will miss the tie as he is set to serve the final leg of his three-game ban. But the Light Blues must be boosted by the return of Allan McGregor who is now eligible to feature again following his two-game suspension.
Formation
Gerrard has mostly preferred a 4-3-3 and struggled to line up two centre-forwards together. But he has tweaked the set-up slightly on the past couple of occasions and opted for a 4-1-4-1 that offered more flexibility in midfield as well as the attacking third.
Manager: Steven Gerrard
Goalkeeper
Wes Foderingham had a couple of rare starts in Allan McGregor’s absence. But the 37-year-old is now back after serving his suspension and set to reclaim his place between the sticks.
Defence
Skipper James Tavernier has not been in his best form of late. But he has been instrumental with his overlapping runs and pinpoint crosses and should look to maintain that against the Accies. The gaffer has tried out several central defensive combinations but banked on Connor Goldson and Joe Worrall in recent weeks. Three successive clean sheets must have lifted their spirit as they should look to stretch it to four games on the row this weekend. Andy Halliday scored versus the Killie minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute replacing Borna Barisic and might be given the nod over the Croatian to avoid fatigue and fitness woes.
Midfield
The return of Ryan Jack has strengthened the Gers, and he is expected to operate in between the backline and ‘midfield four’. Winter recruit Glen Kamara has been impressive in the middle of the park, and he should start alongside Scott Arfield who is now being deployed in a slightly deeper role.
Ryan Kent has been stupendous down the left flank whereas Daniel Candeias should be preferred on the opposite wing due to his work rate, energy, cut insides and crossing traits.
Attack
Jermain Defoe, on loan from Bournemouth, has already bagged a few goals since completing his winter switch. He would be spearheading the Gers frontline in the absence of Alfredo Morelos. Kyle Lafferty should be named among the substitutes as the 36-year-old’s understudy.
