A disappointing defeat against Celtic at Ibrox knocked Rangers out of the Scottish Cup last weekend. They are six points adrift of league leaders Hearts in the Premiership standings, and the Sunday afternoon tie against St Mirren is now a must-win for Danny Rohl’s men to keep pace in the three-horse title race.
Although the Gers clinched an edgy 2-1 win in their own backyard on New Year’s Eve, their previous clash in Paisley finished 1-1 when Russell Martin was in charge early into the campaign. Rohl has turned things around, overcoming the dreadful start, yet the Light Blues could undergo back-to-back trophyless seasons unless they step up their show in the remaining nine league encounters.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face St Mirren
Defence
Jack Butland has been majestic all season, but endured a misfortune in the tie-breakers against Celtic. He must maintain his composure between the sticks, as the hosts would test his resolve at St Mirren Park.
James Tavernier has lost his starting status to Dujon Sterling, and a missed spotkick in the Old Firm might have jeopardised his future beyond this summer. Sterling is expected to keep his place on the right, and the gaffer should bring John Souttar back to partner with Emmanuel Fernandez in the heart of the backline. Tuur Rommens has lately been promoted as the first-choice left fullback, and the Belgian is expected to feature again ahead of Jayden Meghoma.
Midfield
With Connor Barron ruled out with a long-term injury, Rangers will now miss Mohamed Diomande due to a fresh fitness concern. This leaves the German chief with Nicolas Raskin and Tochi Chukwuani as the only available senior central midfield options. They have slotted in well as the ‘double pivot’ and should dictate the tempo from the deep against the Buddies.
A 4-2-2-2 has not worked out well, and the manager must opt for a more flexible 4-2-3-1, with Mikey Moore operating as a ‘number 10’ over Thelo Aasgaard. Djeidi Gassama and Andreas Skov Olsen should be deployed from the left and the right flanks, respectively. However, the pair must cause more menace with their flair and final deliveries. Besides Aasgaard, Nedim Bajrami could also be involved as a second-half substitute.
Attack
Ryan Naderi has not looked sharp in consecutive starts and, therefore, must be benched, thus allowing Youssef Chermiti to spearhead the attack as the lone centre-forward. Bojan Miovski has slipped further down the pecking order following Naderi’s arrival. Nevertheless, Rohl might consider the Macedonian from the bench if he switches to a more direct approach.
