Rangers have been below par in recent weeks, yet they grabbed an edgy 1-0 win against Hearts on Wednesday night. Although they have managed to be within seven points of league leaders Celtic, a defeat on the road versus St Mirren could see the club parting ways with Giovanni van Bronckhorst during the FIFA World Cup break.
The Saints might be struggling of late, but they remain the only side to win against Celtic in the league so far this season. The Gers grabbed a commanding 4-0 victory when these two sides locked horns at Ibrox. However, the contest in Paisley would be a different ball game altogether given Rangers’ shocking defeat versus St Johnstone in the previous away fixture.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face St Mirren
Defence
Finally, a clean sheet for Allan McGregor in the Rangers goal when they hosted Hearts this midweek. The Jamtarts failed to test him between the sticks, but the veteran custodian must be expecting a busier occasion at St Mirren Park on Saturday lunchtime.
The Light Blues continue to have a decimated backline amid injuries to John Souttar, Filip Helander, Connor Goldson and Ridvan Yilmaz. Leon King and Ben Davies have settled in well as the central defensive pairing, whereas the attacking expertise of James Tavernier gives them the upper hand down the right. Borna Barisic was instrumental in his side’s victory on Wednesday night and the Dutch boss must rely on the veteran left fullback once again for the upcoming tie.
Midfield
With Ryan Jack ruled out for months, John Lundstram is likely to be lined up alongside James Sands as the pair have restored some stability in the middle of the park. Despite being erroneous at times, Lundstram has been their driving force in terms of scripting attacking transitions. Fit-again Glen Kamara, as well as Steven Davis, could get involved at some stage in the second half.
Malik Tillman has shown his sparks but is yet to find consistency week in week out. His goal proved to be the decider versus the Jambos and the gaffer, therefore, should deploy him once more as the ‘number 10′ in the wake of Tom Lawrence and Ianis Hagi’s long-term injury absence. Fashion Sakala is sidelined with a knock and the Welsh winger Rabbi Matondo must keep his place ahead of Scott Wright on the right-hand flank. Ryan Kent has been below par so far this season but his presence down the left might still cause menace in the Saints’ backline.
Attack
Antonio Colak is going through a rough run and the manager must bring Alfredo Morelos back into the starting XI after last night’s impressive cameo appearance.
