Steven Gerrard’s Rangers side will be hoping to keep their unbeaten run in the Premiership going when they travel to SuperSeal Stadium to take on Hamilton Academical this weekend. The Bears are coming into this fixture on the back of a comfortable 2-0 victory over Kilmarnock last weekend, in a match where both Kemar Roofe and Cedric Itten were given their full debuts. It was the former that opened the scoring for the Gers on the night, and the Ibrox club ensured that they maintain their place atop the league table.
With five rounds of league action already behind us, Gerrard’s men find themselves sitting pretty at the top, albeit by a slightly better goal difference. For all the good work that they’ve done in the attacking sense, it must be conceded that their biggest selling point this season has been the defensive record. With not a single goal conceded from their five league outings so far, Steven Gerrard’s side have equalled a league record that dates back to almost a hundred years.
Team News
Leon Balogun sat the last match out with a slight knock, but considering how well they’ve been defending over recent weeks, it’s unlikely that Gerrard will expedite the Nigerian’s return to the starting eleven. Brandon Barker was given a rare opportunity from the start last weekend, and despite a half-decent performance, he isn’t expected to start this tie. Alfredo Morelos’ place in the side has been under scrutiny over recent weeks, which means that he is, in all probability, going to play no part in this match. Joe Aribo and Allan McGregor remain on the sidelines for the time being as well.
Here Is The Predicted 4-2-2-2 Rangers Lineup Vs Hamilton Academical:
Predicted 4-2-2-2 Rangers Lineup Vs Hamilton Academical
Formation: 4-2-2-2
Defence
With veteran Scottish shot-stopper Allan McGregor facing an extended spell on the sidelines, summer signing Jon McLaughlin is expected to retain his place in between the sticks for this fixture. The stopper has been rock-solid since coming into the team, and it would take a large amount of effort from McGregor to potentially regain his spot. In Balogun’s absence, Filip Helander has managed to fill in expertly alongside Connor Goldson, which means that the centre-half duo are likely to remain the same as well. The usual suspects Borna Barisic and James Tavernier should continue down the full-back roles.
Midfield
With Joe Aribo facing a spell out of the side, Steven Gerrard has been forced to improvise with his team selection. The need to have two strikers and two wingers in the side means that there is one less vacant space for the midfielders to fill. Ryan Jack’s place in the side hasn’t been under question recently, and that’s largely down to the quality that he has been producing in the middle of the park. With only one slot remaining, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Gerrard opt to play Steven Davis alongside Jack to ensure that defensive solidity is maintained.
Attack
Ianis Hagi was forced to do with an appearance off the bench last time out, but he is set to replace Barker in the team this time around. The Romanian hasn’t been at his best recently, and this fixture could come as an opportunity for him to prove his worth once again. In-form speedster Ryan Kent is expected to continue operating on the other flank, despite all the question marks surrounding his future at the Ibrox. The strike-duo of Cedric Itten and Kemar Roofe didn’t have the most productive outing against Kilmarnock, but despite that, they are both expected to keep their place in the team ahead of Morelos for this weekend clash.
