Rangers were held to a frustrating draw against Hibernian in the midweek tie, and as a result, Celtic managed to overtake them on the table after their comfortable win against Motherwell. Steven Gerrard’s men will next lock horns with St. Johnstone at McDiarmid Park.
The Bears don’t have the best away record, and they have struggled to go past teams even when they have looked the better side for the most parts of the game. Rangers put five past the Saints when the two teams met earlier this season, but Tommy Wright’s men would be a much tougher opponent at home. St. Johnstone have managed positive results against Hearts and Aberdeen in the past three games, but they lost their last encounter against Motherwell narrowly.
Team News
Graham Dorrans, Ryan Kent and Jamie Murphy are the major absentees. Scott Arfield is likely to miss out after he was substituted at halftime in the midweek tie against the Hibs.
Rangers predicted lineup Vs St. Johnstone
Formation (4-3-3)
Defence
Allan McGregor has been a revelation this season and is set to start in goal once again. The manager has finally finalised his centre-back pairing, and we believe Gareth McAuley and Connor Godson are likely to start once again in the heart of the defence.
Borna Barisic has been fantastic since his comeback from injury, and his forward runs from the left are often threatening to the opposition defence. He should start in the left back role. Captain James Tavernier is going to start from the right back position.
Midfield
Ross McCrorie has had some impressive outings in the last few games, and he is likely to start in this encounter against the Saints. That would allow Ryan Jack to begin in a slightly advanced position in midfield. Jack has been the most consistent performer for the Gers in the past month or so and Gerrard would hope that he can come up with the goods in the attacking half of the pitch. Lassana Coulibaly has struggled for form, and we think Andy Halliday should be given an opportunity to start in midfield.
Attack
Glenn Middleton is likely to get a go in this weekend’s tie after Eros Grezda played the midweek game. He should start down the left. Daniel Candeias has become an influential player in the last two months, and a good match for him often ensures chances galore for the Rangers side. The Portuguese is likely to start from the right flank.
Alfredo Morelos failed to put the chances to bed in the last game, but Gerrard is likely to persist with him up top.
