Rangers, a rejuvenated force under Steven Gerrard suffered their second major defeat on Sunday evening in the League Cup semi-final tie. The Gers had some significant absentees but were favourites to defeat Aberdeen who were having a rough run before this contest. But the Dons boss Derek McInnes exhibited a strategic masterclass at Hampden Park and sealed a berth in cup final where they would be contesting Celtic, the reigning champions.
Gerrard’s men, meanwhile, need to pick themselves up and get ready for Wednesday night’s league encounter against Kilmarnock at Ibrox. Killie, under Steve Clarke, have shown massive progress and are placed 2nd in Premiership tally three points clear of the Gers. A win, therefore, would see Rangers closing the gap with a prime title contenders but should expect a tricky test this midweek despite beating the same opponents once already at Rugby Park in their Scottish League Cup second round fixture.
Team News
Rangers will welcome the return of both Alfredo Morelos and Kyle Lafferty who were ineligible to feature against Aberdeen. However, it is highly unlikely for Borna Barisic to speed up his recovery from a muscle injury and feature on Wednesday night.
Jamie Murphy suffered an ACL rupture while playing on the artificial turf of Rugby Park and is sidelined for the entire 2018-19 season. Graham Dorrans, suffering from a long-term knee problem, went under the knives and might not feature again this year. Gareth McAuley and Lee Wallace, the veteran defensive duo are working on their fitness and might soon be integrated with the first-team squad.
Formation
Gerrard has both Alfredo Morelos and Kyle Lafferty back in contention but must not line them up together and compromise the preferred 4-3-3 that has earned him some early success in his maiden managerial role.
Defence
Veteran Allan McGregor was preferred over Wes Foderingham against the Dons despite the latter starting in Rangers’ previous cup ties. McGregor has been instrumental between the sticks and should keep his place in both domestic as well as European contests.
Skipper James Tavernier had a disappointing Sunday evening but must motivate his teammates to shake off the confusion and eye the greater glory. He should be occupying his usual right-back role whereas midfield general Andy Halliday might be fielded as a makeshift left-back following Jon Flanagan’s underwhelming show. Joe Worrall has been preferred over Nikola Katic in recent weeks, and the England U21 international is expected to keep his place alongside Connor Goldson in central defence.
Midfield
Ovie Ejaria has been sensational of late in the middle of the park and is probably the first name on the team sheet due to his skilful runs, holding traits and ability to balance his game between attack and defensive responsibilities. Lassana Coulibaly might be replaced by Jordan Rossiter who earned a start last week against Hamilton Academical. Scott Arfield, the versatile midfield star returned to action against the Dons late in the game and should be handed a start in an advanced playmaking role to create more chances up front.
Attack
Alfredo Morelos must be itching to return to action having missed the semi-final tie through suspension. Kyle Lafferty should be introduced later on if the situation demands. However, Umar Sadiq seems to have no future at Ibrox having failed miserably on Sunday evening.
Ryan Kent has emerged as a critical resource following Murphy’s injury woe and should keep hold of his position down the left wing to combine with Morelos in and around the box. Daniel Candeias, too, is in decent form and should start the game from the opposite flank.
