Steven Gerrard and his men need to pick themselves up after two disappointing results back to back. The manager was looking for a big reaction after their Cup exit, but Rangers failed to produce the goods and only had to be content with one point against Kilmarnock. Next, they travel to Paisley 2021 Stadium to take on St. Mirren who are currently second from the bottom of the table.
Rangers have failed to go on a good run of results as after every good result, they have faltered especially away from home. That needs to change now as the Gers are already 8 points adrift from the top of the table and nothing less than three points would do against the league strugglers.
Team News: Jamie Murphy is sidelined for the entire campaign after suffering an ACL rupture. Gareth McAuley, Graham Dorrans and Lee Wallace continue to be absent. Borna Barisic is also unlikely to be available for this game. Ovie Ejaria’s situation is not yet known, and his fitness could be assessed late before the matchday.
Rangers Predicted Lineup vs St. Mirren
Formation (4-1-4-1)
Defence
Wes Foderingham had been a surprise starter in goal against Kilmarnock, but we believe Gerrard to go back to his tried and tested option Allan McGregor. The centre-back pairing of Connor Goldson and Joe Worrall seems nailed on at the moment, and we expect the duo to start once again. Jon Flanagan has struggled a bit off late in the left-back role, but with Barisic still unavailable, the former Liverpool fullback should keep his place. Club captain James Tavernier should start in the right-back role.
Midfield
Lassana Coulibaly’s performance in the last few games left a lot to be desired, and it is expected that Gerrard would bring Ryan Jack ahead of him for this tie. Jack put in a good cameo as a substitute last time around, and we believe that he would be the best option to start as a defensive midfielder.
Further up front, Scott Arfield is again likely to get a start. Andy Halliday has been one of the underrated stars of this season and Gerrard should once again persist with him in the middle of the park. His versatility to fill out as a left-back also comes in handy later on in the game.
Out wide, Liverpool loanee Ryan Kent is a nailed on starter, and he has continued his excellent work down the left flank. On the right, Daniel Candeias has been a regular, and he should keep his place once again.
Attack
Kyle Lafferty is likely to provide an option from the bench, and Colombian striker Alfredo Morelos should lead the line once again for the Bears.
