Rangers are back in action on Wednesday evening following another Old Firm derby triumph to make it through to the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup. They would lock horns with St Johnstone twice in a week with tomorrow’s fixture at McDiarmid Park a mere dead rubber for the Glasgow hotshots. Yet they should maintain the unbeaten status and must not underestimate the Saints who are in great form of late across competitions.
The hosts, meanwhile, still hold a chance to finish as high as fifth in the Premiership standings and have already conquered the League Cup crown earlier this campaign. Silverware is the currency of success in modern-day football and as the things stand, their trip to Ibrox on Sunday afternoon is way more prestigious.
Predicted 4-3-3 Rangers Lineup To Face St. Johnstone
Defence
Allan McGregor delivered a stellar display as always against Celtic and should retain his place between the sticks irrespective of Jon McLaughlin’s impressive stats in limited appearances.
The emergence of Nathan Patterson has been astonishing, particularly in the absence of skipper James Tavernier. The teenage right fullback must keep his place down the wide with left-back Borna Barisic set to feature from the other side of a four-man backline. Connor Goldson and Filip Helander have formed a formidable partnership in the heart of the backline and should retain their place ahead of Jack Simpson and Leon Balogun.
Midfield
Ryan Jack continues to be sidelined with persistent injury problems, but the incredible shift from 36-year-old Steven Davis has to be the story of the season. The ever-present Northern Irishman guided the Bears to clinch a 2-0 derby triumph but should get some rest with the Cup outing scheduled in a few days time. Bongani Zungu has not been able to impress Steven Gerrard and the gaffer might try out Glen Kamara centrally considering his calmness, composure and technicality in the middle of the park. Joe Aribo’s work ethics and the experience of Scott Arfield should ensure stability and offer the creative spark.
Attack
Gerrard must rotate high up the pitch with ample attacking options to select from. Versatile Kemar Roofe should be tried out in a ‘number 9’ role, whereas Scott Wright must be knocking on the door following a stunning display against Cove Rangers earlier this month. This would hand both Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent some recovery time. Finally, it’s also time to reintegrate Ianis Hagi in the starting XI.
