Rangers, the runaway Premiership leaders, are still unbeaten in the league ahead of hosting Ross County on Saturday afternoon. They, however, survived a setback against struggling Motherwell at Fir Park and settled for a 1-1 draw last weekend, thanks to ‘super sub’ Cedric Itten’s second-half equalizer.
The Gers, meanwhile, would be determined to be back to winning ways at Ibrox but, at the same time, must not underestimate the Staggies who have stunned the reigning champions Celtic a couple of months ago by knocking them out of the Scottish League Cup second-round contest. Their heroics at Parkhead deserve accolades, whereas the urge of avoiding a relegation scare should lead to a spirited show while locking horns with Steven Gerrard’s juggernaut.
Predicted 4-3-3 Rangers Lineup To Face Ross County
Defence
McGregor, though 39, has been majestic between the sticks and has cemented his place despite being rotated with summer signing Jon McLaughlin early into the campaign. Rangers have conceded only 7 goals in 24 league outings and the veteran Scotsman has been a standout player, particularly against the heavyweights like Celtic, Hibernian and Aberdeen.
The Bears have a stable ‘back four’ irrespective of momentary defensive lapses over the past couple of outings. Skipper James Tavernier is leading the league’s scoring chart (jointly with Hibs’ Kevin Nisbet), but the aggressive right fullback needs to focus more on his defensive duties while making marauding runs from the flank. Leon Balogun has formed a robust partnership with Connor Goldson in the heart of the backline, also the presence of Borna Barisic is essential on the left-hand side for his timely crosses and set-piece expertise.
Midfield
Ryan Jack has returned to team training recovering from a long injury layoff. Yet the Scotland international should not be risked from the start ahead of Steven Davis who has been standout in the middle of the park. Although in his mid-thirties, the Northern Irishman is fit enough to deliver once a week and the ongoing fixture relaxation has allowed the midfield maestro to have enough recovery time between games. Glen Kamara and Joe Aribo have been impressive as well with their down the middle movements and link-up play.
Attack
The injury absence of Kemar Roofe saw Ianis Hagi reclaiming a starting status down the right-hand flank. But the Romanian was underwhelming against Motherwell and the decision of bringing in Cedric Itten did the trick when the substitute headed home to rescue a point. Itten deserves a start now having shown his ability to operate from the wide and his poaching instincts alongside Alfredo Morelos would inject more firepower high up the pitch. Ryan Kent, exquisite with his pace, power and creative spark, must retain his role from the left.
