Premiership leaders Rangers will be hoping to continue their unbeaten run in the league when they welcome Ross County to the Ibrox Stadium later this weekend. The home side will be coming into this fixture on the back of a highly motivating Europa League playoff victory against Turkish giants Galatasaray. Not only did Steven Gerrard’s side pick up the win, but it also meant that they would take part in this season’s edition of the main competition. Having booked a place in the group stages, the Bears can now focus their attention entirely onto the league situation.
The Ibrox club currently sit atop the league table, albeit by a single point. Although that doesn’t sound all that bad on paper, the fact that Celtic have a game in hand as well throws light on the situation. A single slip-up by Gerrard’s men from here on in could cost them greatly in the title-race, as their Old Firm rivals have shown no signs of slowing down. Ross County, on the other hand, find themselves in 7th place on the table, with just three wins in the bag from their nine outings so far.
Team News
The number of injury woes that Gerrard’s side have had to deal with over recent weeks is nothing short of ridiculous. The likes of Joe Aribo, Kemar Roofe, Cédric Itten, Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Jack, Leon Balogun and Borna Barisic have all had to deal with injuries of varying degrees since the start of the season. Now though, it looks like things are slowly getting back on track. Balogun, Morelos and Barisic have made full recoveries, while Cédric Itten and Ryan Jack have begun to ease their way back into the picture as well. Roofe and Aribo though, are likely to remain sidelined until after the international break.
Here Is The Predicted 4-3-3 Rangers Lineup Vs Ross County:
Predicted 4-3-3 Rangers Lineup Vs Ross County
Defence
Although Jon McLaughlin started the season as the first-choice goalkeeper, veteran Scot Allan McGregor has gradually managed to ease his way back into the team. Having started all of the last few fixtures, it’s unlikely that he will be dropped from the side anytime soon. In front of him, expect to see the same back-two that did a brilliant job against Galatasaray. Connor Goldson should be partnered by Filip Helander in the heart of the defence, with in-form James Tavernier and Borna Barisic, alongside them.
Midfield
One of the biggest positives from Rangers’ midweek win in the Europa League would’ve been the return of Ryan Jack. The Scottish midfielder has missed a large chunk of the season with an injury but could make his way back into the team on Sunday. Glen Kamara is the man that could be forced to drop down to the bench in place of the energetic midfield anchor. Steven Davis’ recent displays do warrant a place in the team, while the constantly improving displays of Scott Arfield make him an essential part of Gerrard’s setup as well.
Attack
Alfredo Morelos was one of the few Rangers players who didn’t have the greatest of games against Galatasaray. Not only did the Colombian spend a majority of the time on the flanks looking for space, but he was also caught offside on numerous occasions. Despite this, the injury to Kemar Roofe means that the former Helsinki man is expected to continue. Former Liverpool ace Ryan Kent should keep his place on the Comobian’s left, with Jordan Jones expected to replace Ianis Hagi over on the other side.
