Premiership giants Rangers will be looking to secure progress into the next round of the Scottish League Cup when they travel to the Paisley 2021 Stadium to take on St. Mirren on Wednesday. This quarterfinal fixture would give Steven Gerrard’s men the opportunity to be one of the four remaining teams in the tournament, which would then give them a very good chance of winning the whole thing. Although it won’t be a walk in the park by any stretch, the fact that Celtic were eliminated in the last round seriously increases the Gers’ chances of securing this trophy.
The Ibrox club are coming into this fixture on the back of a 2-1 victory against Dundee United on the weekend, where despite dominating the game from start to finish, they were unable to find the required finishing touch in the final third. Yet to lose a game this season across all the competition they’ve participated in, including the Europa League, Gerrard’s team will be eager to keep that run of form going. Their lead atop the Premiership table is gradually starting to look insurmountable now, and if they’re able to secure the League Cup along with that as well, it would have to be considered quite the achievement.
Team News
The Gers don’t have too many injury concerns to be worried about at this moment in time, although there is one key name who is unlikely to play any part in this fixture. Scottish midfielder Ryan Jack has been missing from the first-team picture for a couple of weeks now, and even if the combative ace was able to return to fitness, it would be a risk to rush him back in for this tie. Nikola Katic is another absentee for Rangers, having missed the entire of the season so far with what was a long-term injury.
Here Is The Predicted 4-3-3 Rangers Lineup Vs St. Mirren:
Predicted 4-3-3 Rangers Lineup Vs St. Mirren
Defence
Allan McGregor has been one of the mainstays in Steven Gerrard’s team this season, wherein despite his ripe age, he has been able to produce some excellent performances. Despite this, the manager has been confident enough in the abilities of Jon McLaughlin to rotate the two depending on the fixture. For this cup outing, the latter could make his way into the eleven, in place of McGregor. Filip Helander is another player who should return to the eleven, with Connor Goldson expected to continue alongside him. James Tavernier should start on the right flank, with Calvin Bassey likely to be given the nod on the left.
Midfield
With Ryan Jack unavailable for selection, one of the first-choice midfielders starting this game is a necessity. Although Scott Arfield and Steven Davis have both been in sensational form, Glen Kamara’s youthfulness and energy in the middle of the park could earn him another start in the eleven. Summer loan acquisition Bongani Zungu is set to operate as the other number eight, just alongside the Finnish ace. Joe Aribo has had to deal with a couple of injury setbacks this season, but now back to full fitness, the Nigerian is likely to start in a more advanced role.
Attack
Ianis Hagi’s signing in the summer was received by the Rangers fans with much fanfare, however, it must be conceded that the Romanian has failed to replicate some of the form he displayed on loan last season. Despite this, there’s no need to be doubting the talent that he has got, and Gerrard has recognised that as well. Expect the trickster to start on the right flank as a makeshift winger, while former Liverpool man Ryan Kent should operate on the left. Veteran English striker Jermain Defoe is likely to be given the nod as the main striker for this League Cup outing.
