Rangers cannot afford to make any more mistakes if they are hoping to catch Celtic in the title race. The Hoops have opened up a six-point gap over their Old Firm rivals and the Bears are joint second on points with Kilmarnock. Rangers are set to host St. Mirren at Ibrox this weekend, and nothing less than three points would satisfy the home fans.
Incidentally, in both the previous clashes this season with St. Mirren, Rangers had won 2-0 but also went down to 10 men in both the games. Gerrard would hope for a clinical and clean performance from his side as otherwise, they could see their title challenge fade away within one month of the winter break.
Team News
Graham Dorrans is back in training, but this game is going to come a bit too soon for him. Eros Grezda and Jamie Murphy are out of this clash. Connor Goldson should be close to coming back, and we have to wait and see if the centre back makes his return in this match.
Rangers Predicted Lineup Vs St. Mirren
Formation (4-3-3)
Defence
Allan McGregor should come back into the lineup after Foderingham started the cup game midweek. Joe Worrall has made some significant errors which cost the Gers dearly, but he is likely to start again. Nikola Katic is once again back in favour with the manager, and if Goldson doesn’t recover in time, then the Croatian is set to play in the heart of the defence.
Gerrard would hope that Borna Barisic can remain injury free for the rest of the campaign. He is going to start in the left back position. James Tavernier is a nailed on starter down the right after he was rested for the tie against Cowdenbeath.
Midfielder
Ryan Jack has firmly established himself in midfield, and he is likely to start in the deepest role. Scott Arfield should start further up front in the middle of the park. The Canadian international is the glue which binds this team together, and his work rate is also impressive. Ross McCrorie is likely to keep out new signing Steven Davis from the starting eleven as the veteran had played the midweek game.
Attack
Ryan Kent has settled in quite well at the club and is one of the most crucial players in the attacking third. He is going to start from the left flank. Daniel Candeias is a nailed on starter from the right wing.
Alfredo Morelos has got some competition from Jermain Defoe for a position in the starting lineup, but the Colombian is expected to lead the line for the Bears.
