Rangers will host Hamilton Academical this weekend at Ibrox after returning empty-handed from Switzerland as they conceded a late goal against Young Boys in the UEFA Europa League. The Gers probably deserved a draw atleast based on their performance, but erratic individual errors from their captain James Tavernier cost them the tie.
However, Gerrard’s men cannot dwell on it too much, so they need to pick themselves up soon as they trail Celtic by one point in the Scottish Premiership. Rangers have done well domestically barring the derby loss against the Hoops. Hamilton are currently sitting 8th on the table, and they registered a narrow 2-1 win over Livingston in their last game.
Team news: Ryan Kent and Jordan Jones are back in training, but Rangers might not risk them from the start. Jon Flanagan is expected to miss out. Joe Aribo is also unlikely to make it after his head injury. He was seen back in training wearing a skull cap, but the Gers might be cautious. Brandon Barker is likely to be out due to a toe injury. Ryan Jack limped off with an injury against Young Boys, and he is unlikely to feature.
Rangers predicted lineup vs Hamilton Academical
Formation (4-3-3)
Defence
Allan McGregor will keep his place in goal for the Gers. Connor Goldson is a nailed-on starter in defence. However, the other centre back spot is yet not certain and it has been rotated between Filip Helander and Nikola Katic of late.
We are expecting Katic to start in this domestic game. Borna Barisic has come up leaps and bounds over the last few weeks, so he should start as the left-back. After having a stinker against Young Boys, captain James Tavernier will look to bounce back against the Accies. He is expected to fill in at right-back.
Midfield
Steven Davis has emerged as the mainstay for Rangers in midfield, and the veteran is expected to keep his place in Gerrard’s starting XI once again. Glen Kamara is likely going to be the other option in the middle. Greg Stewart had a terrific game against Aberdeen when he started last time around, and he should once again get the nod to feature in midfield.
Attack
Scott Arfield is expected to continue on the left flank. The Canadian international’s work rate and versatility have made him a significant asset for Gerrard. Sheyi Ojo has been inconsistent so far, but with other wingers still reeling with injuries, he might be preferred again to start on the right. This weekend’s encounter is the kind of game where Gerrard might give Jermain Defoe the nod to start up front in place of Morelos.
