Although the priority is to stop Celtic from conquering ‘nine in a row’, Rangers must consider their midweek Scottish League Cup quarterfinal tie against Livingston as a crucial one. Steven Gerrard must grab the opportunity of securing a silverware but, at the same time, should examine his squad strength by resting the first-team stars.
Livingston have produced some stellar performances this season, and the fixture at the Tony Macaroni Arena would be a tricky test for the Gers against the resilient hosts. They lost to the Glasgow giants at Ibrox a few days back, but their headstrong display received plaudits irrespective of the outcome.
Rangers Team News vs Livingston
Rangers have a few injury absentees for the Wednesday night contest. Jon Flanagan continues to be sidelined following his hernia surgery. Jordan Jones [knee] and Ryan Kent [hamstring] are ruled out too whereas outcast Eros Grezda has been expelled from the first-team set-up after failing to find a new club in the summer window.
Predicted 4-3-3 Rangers Lineup Against Livingston
Rangers Formation vs Livingston
Gerrard has not experimented much with formations and is expected to go with a 4-3-3. This suits his strategy of wing-play while using the width of the pitch, and therefore, create space in opponents’ defence.
Goalkeeper
Allan McGregor, though majestic between the sticks, should be rested for the weekend encounter against Aberdeen. Former ‘number 1’ Wes Foderingham is expected to return to action for this Cup outing.
Defence
Matt Polster has not really managed to break into Gerrard’s plans but was handed a start against East Fife in the second round. The versatile American should be lined up down the right whereas Nikola Katic might be recalled after losing his place to Filip Helander in the heart of the backline. George Edmundson deserves minutes alongside the Croatian and the gaffer should deploy Andy Halliday on the left to add some experience in the Bears’ backline.
Midfield
Greg Docherty, thriving for opportunities, must be incorporated in place of Ryan Jack. Andy King is frustrated due to lack of gametime since completing a loan switch from Leicester City, and Gerrard should consider him from the beginning to introduce experience in the centre of the pitch. Glen Kamara remained as an unused substitute against St. Johnstone on Sunday afternoon and is touted to start the game to bolster the midfield furthermore.
Attack
Versatile Scott Arfield came on as a second-half substitute against the Saints and should feature from the right ahead of Sheyi Ojo and Brandon Barker. Greg Stewart might occupy the left flank to showcase his flexibility high up the pitch and veteran Jermain Defoe, who grabbed a brace in the closing minutes, must spearhead the Light Blues’ attack.
