Although a three-all draw away at Benfica is a laudable outcome on paper, Rangers should have shown more grit and determination while defending a 3-1 lead against the ten-man hosts. Rare defensive frailty led to a late catastrophe and Steven Gerrard, the Ibrox chief, must be expecting a reaction from his warriors on Sunday afternoon against the bottom-placed Hamilton Academical in a crucial Premiership outing.
Despite having a commanding lead over Old Firm rivals Celtic, the gaffer can’t afford to drop points considering the Hoops’ ability to narrow it down with successive victories. The Gers have defeated the Accies at New Douglas Park earlier this campaign, however, a shocking 1-0 beating at Ibrox towards the closure of the previous term must make them cautious before clashing heads on the south side of the River Clyde.
Team News
Rangers
Nikola Katic remains the only long-term absentee having ruptured his cruciate ligament a few months ago. George Edmundson and Jordan Jones, suspended by the club for breaching COVID-19 protocols, are unavailable for selection. Veteran Scott Arfield picked up a knock against Benfica and is now facing a race against time to be fit for the weekend tie.
Predicted XI: Allan McGregor; James Tavernier, Connor Goldson, Leon Balogun, Calvin Bassey; Ryan Jack, Glen Kamara, Joe Aribo; Ianis Hagi, Ryan Kent, Jermain Defoe.
Hamilton Academical
The Accies got an array of injury absentees prior to the Rangers clash. Charles Trafford and David Templeton are sidelined for a while with their respective ankle and groin problems. Kyle Munro [broken wrist], Jamie Hamilton [shin splits] and Ronan Hughes [knock] are also ruled out due to their respective woes, however, gaffer Brian Rice has a major boost with skipper Brian Easton set to return for the first time since February following successful ankle surgery.
Predicted XI: Ryan Fulton; Lee Hodson, Hakeem Odoffin, Shaun Want, Scott McMann, Ross Callachan, Scott Martin, William Collar, Callum Smith; Marios Ogboe, David Moyo.
Here Is The Rangers Vs Hamilton Accies Tactical Preview:
Talking Tactics
Rangers
While Gerrard has preferred a 4-3-3 so far on most occasions, he would rely on his fullbacks as well as wide attackers once again to whip in crosses and create chances from in and around the box. The Bears have dominated the midfield game with sheer work rate, flexibility and vision, but the manager is yet to figure out the best possible combination with ample options to select from. Having said that, Rangers are expected to dominate the game and create numerous opportunities in the attacking third similar to their previous meetings.
Hamilton Academical
The Accies are not exactly a deep-defending side, but the situation might force them to sit back and stage counter-attacking threats with long balls forward. They haven’t won a league game since defeating Livingston almost a couple of months back and might have to wait a bit longer to turn things around unless they replicate a similar show to their previous Ibrox visit.
Key Men
Rangers
Ryan Kent was wasteful against Benfica which cost them two massive points at the Estádio da Luz. But his pace, flair and dribbling traits would keep the visitors on their toes, whereas impressive Joe Aribo must maintain his composure in the middle of the park with his passing and pressing game.
Hamilton Academical
Custodian Ryan Fulton is tipped to have a tricky time between the sticks. Marios Ogboe and David Moyo must not get isolated high up the pitch and stay in the hunt to convert the opportunities.
