The decade-long wait is set to over soon with the Gers closing in on their first-ever Premiership glory since 2011. They have drawn an end to Celtic’s monopoly in Scottish football, and the age-old rivalry has been restored following Steven Gerrard’s arrival. But they must maintain the focus now in the upcoming weeks and the game between Rangers vs St. Johnstone on Wednesday night must not result in a slip-up for the high-flying Bears.
The Saints have staged a resurgence of late after a dismal start and have made it through to the Scottish League Cup’s final defeating Hibernian in the semi-finals. They are unbeaten in their past six Premiership fixtures and therefore, growing in confidence while climbing up the league ladder. But they have been defeated twice already (3-0 on both occasions) by Gerrard’s juggernaut and the effort has to be monumental from Callum Davidson’s men to defy the odds at Ibrox.
Predicted 4-3-3 Rangers Lineup To Face St. Johnstone
Defence
Allan McGregor turned 39 a couple of days back but has not lost his reflexes at all. He is irreplaceable between the sticks and summer signing Jon McLaughlin has to wait for his chances despite featuring early into the campaign on a few occasions.
James Tavernier has not just been scoring goals but is showing his balance with enough attacking involvement as well as defensive work. However, the skipper is likely to be a bit more adventurous compared to last midweek’s Hibs clash. Connor Goldson and Filip Helander’s immense presence in the heart of the backline makes it easier for the right fullback to make marauding runs. Helander has grabbed his chances exquisitely and is expected to retain his place ahead of Leon Balogun.
Borna Barisic, too, has proved his fitness this season and must keep causing problems from the left-hand side with his link-up play, crosses and set-pieces mastery.
Midfield
The gaffer relied on both Ryan Jack and Steven Davis at Easter Road as they had to be more compact and resolute in the middle of the park against Jack Ross’ men. But they must dominate the Saints all throughout in familiar surroundings and bringing back Joe Aribo in midfield from a wide attacking role needs to be done to inject more firepower in the attacking third. Glen Kamara is unparalleled in his position, and the trio of Jack-Aribo-Kamara would be a better pick to exhibit attacking supremacy.
Attack
You can’t have one season of Alfredo Morelos without major suspensions. He has worked on his temperament, but the stamping incident on Hibs’ Ryan Porteous has brought everything back to square one. The Colombian has received a three-game ban, and the manager must reintegrate versatile Kemar Roofe now as the outright ‘number 9’.
Cedric Itten and Jermain Defoe would challenge and cover the 28-year-old, whereas Ianis Hagi should reclaim the wide attacking slot if Aribo is moved to his usual midfield role. Ryan Kent has been majestic with his work ethics and must keep on creating chances from the left-hand flank.
