Rangers were a resurgent force last season under Steven Gerrard, but they failed to stop Celtic’s domestic dominance as they went on to conquer a historic treble ‘treble’ despite Brendan Rodgers’ departure. The Gers have been in good shape during the pre-season as well as their European outings, but the test will be sterner against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on Sunday afternoon.
The Premiership season is set to kickstart this weekend and the Bears, having roped in an array of new signings, should go for all three points in their bid to reclaim the Scottish crown. Killie troubled the Sunday visitors time and again during Steve Clarke’s tutelage, but his exit would boost Rangers’ odds of sealing a comfortable win to resume the fierce fight from the very first gameweek.
Rangers Team News vs Kilmarnock
Rangers are set to miss out Steven Davis [hamstring] and Jamie Murphy [groin] along with the Graham Dorrans who is reportedly suffering from a minor calf strain. Jon Flanagan and Filip Helander stepped up their recovery having featured for the reserves on Friday, but the duo won’t be rushed into action considering their significance going forward.
Rangers Formation vs Kilmarnock
Gerrard, so far, has banked on a 4-3-3 and is likely to retain the same to replicate their early success in Europe against St Joseph’s and FC Progrès Niederkorn.
Defence
Allan McGregor is still going strong at the age of 37. He would keep hold of the ‘number 1’ role ahead of Wes Foderingham whose future is still up in the air amid transfer rumours.
Skipper James Tavernier was majestic last season down the right-hand flank and should look to pose a similar threat with his relentless overlapping runs. Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic must pair up as the preferred central defensive duo following a productive pre-season. Borna Barisic is expected to occupy the left-back role ahead of Andy Halliday and Flanagan.
Midfield
Ryan Jack has become a towering figure in Rangers’ midfield and is set to operate as a ‘number 6′ to break down opponents’ threats and form attacking moves from a deep-lying role. Glen Kamara had an impressive stint last season and should hold on to his place in the middle of the park alongside ‘old friend‘ Joe Aribo. The latter has been excellent so far since completing a dramatic move from Charlton earlier this summer.
Attack
Versatile Scott Arfield should be lined up on the left flank due to his experience and expertise. Sheyi Ojo, on loan from Liverpool, has been exhilarating so far in the attacking third and must be deployed down the right. Gerrard has the luxury of choosing his ‘number 9’ in between Jermain Defoe and Alfredo Morelos. The Colombian, however, might get the nod due to Defoe’s involvement in their midweek Europa League contest against Progres a couple of days back.
