Rangers will hope that their brilliant win after coming from behind against Braga in the Europa League will act as a catalyst and kick on an excellent run in the league. The Bears are trailing Celtic by 10 points, and they will travel to McDiarmid Park this weekend to take on St. Johnstone.
Gerrard’s men haven’t been at their best since the break, and nothing less than three points would suffice in this fixture. St. Johnstone are unbeaten in their last four games in the league. Rangers had won the earlier fixture against them comfortably by four goals to nil.
Team News: Borna Barisic took a knock in his back against Braga, and he had to go off in the second half. Even if he is fit to play this Sunday, Gerrard might want to give him a breather. Jermain Defoe and Filip Helander are the two significant absentees for the Bears.
4-3-3 Rangers Predicted Lineup Vs St. Johnstone
Formation (4-3-3)
Defence
Allan McGregor contributed well against Braga as he made one crucial save in the second half. He is set to feature in goal again. Andy Halliday might get to start at left-back in this encounter. Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic are expected to continue in the centre back role.
Gerrard could be tempted to rest one of them with George Edmundson getting a chance. However, it would be better to keep the two main centre back pairing together with the second leg coming soon. James Tavernier is a nailed-on starter from the right side of the defence.
Midfield
Steven Davis will be expected to keep his place in midfield. Ryan Jack should return to the lineup after he missed the exciting tie against Braga due to suspension. Scott Arfield has done well, but he could be given a breather with Joe Aribo starting in his place in midfield. Aribo produced a moment of magic against Braga to equalise for Rangers.
Attack
Ryan Kent continues to be a significant disappointment, but maybe a good game against St. Johnstone could spur him back to life. He should start on the left-wing. Rangers’ man of the moment Ianis Hagi will be likely to start on the right.
Gerrard will be hoping to wrap this game up smoothly to keep the Romanian free from injury. It would be interesting to see whether Gerrard decides to rest him or not with the second leg coming soon. Alfredo Morelos hasn’t been at his best since the break, but he will be expected to lead the line.
