Premiership giants Rangers will be looking to continue their brilliant run of form in the league when they face off against Livingston this weekend. Steven Gerrard’s side have been gathering momentum continuously over the last few weeks, with the Europa League victory against Standard Liege coming as an added boost. Not only did they manage to pick up what could prove to be a vital three points in the group stages, but the fact that they kept an away clean sheet in the process is a commendable achievement as well.
Gerrard’s men currently find themselves sitting pretty at the top of the Premiership table, with nearest rivals Celtic trailing them by four points on the charts. Although some will argue that it could come down to just one once the Hoops play their game in hand, any top manager in the world will vouch for the fact that points on the table are better than a game in hand. More importantly, Rangers now have their future in their own hands, in that if they’re able to win every game in the season from here on in, they’re guaranteed to finish top of the table.
Team News
The Ibrox club have had a flurry of fitness boosts over recent weeks, but suffered one unfortunate setback in midweek. Croatian international full-back Borna Barisic was required to come off before the half-time whistle against Standard Liege, making him a massive doubt for the weekend match. The likes of Ryan Jack, Joe Aribo, Brandon Barker and Kemar Roofe have all returned to full fitness, effectively leaving Gerrard with a full-strength squad to choose from. Bongani Zungu, having still been under quarantine as of yesterday, is unlikely to feature though.
Here Is The Predicted 4-3-3 Rangers Lineup Vs Livingston:
Predicted 4-3-3 Rangers Lineup Vs Livingston
Defence
Allan McGregor has been preferred in between the sticks for the last couple of fixtures now, and Gerrard could be tempted to give the veteran a well-deserved rest on the weekend. Expect Jon McLaughlin to replace him in the starting eleven for this clash. In front of him, Filip Helander is likely to make his way back into the side in place of Leon Balogun, to be partnered up with Connor Goldson in the heart of the defence. James Tavernier’s place has never really been under question, while the young Calvin Bassey could replace Borna Barisic over on the left side.
Midfield
Ryan Jack had an extremely successful return to the first-team picture against Standard Liege as he ran the show with his movement and passing. A couple of more games will ensure that the Scot is back at full flow, and Gerrard is likely to use this fixture to give him just that. Alongside him, expect to see the return of Steven Davis into the midfield, thereby handing Glen Kamara a much-needed rest as well. For the final midfield change, the manager could opt to bring Joe Aribo back into the eleven, in place of Scott Arfield, who has been playing a lot of matches over recent weeks.
Attack
Ianis Hagi put in a somewhat underwhelming performance against the Belgian opposition in midweek, especially considering the overall quality that he has actually got. This could result in Brandon Barker being brought back into the eleven, with Ryan Kent keeping his place over on the other flank. Kemar Roofe’s return to action came as a massive boon to Rangers and their ambitions for the season, and the goal he scored in the Europa League means that there’s every chance he replaces the out-of-form Alfredo Morelos for this league tie.
