Rangers are flying high at home as well as Europe but expecting a tricky test on the road against Livingston. The Wednesday night test is not going to be a stroll in the park at the Tony Macaroni Arena amid Livi’s uprise under David Martindale, but the Gers are focused too in order to maintain the unbeaten status before claiming the coveted crown.
The hosts, meanwhile, are still in contention for a place in Europe but have lost the momentum of late with three defeats in the last four outings including the League Cup final heartbreak against St Johnstone. However, the show must go on and a spirited display against the runaway league leaders would help them reclaim the momentum for the rest of the campaign.
Predicted 4-3-3 Rangers Lineup To Face Livingston
Defence
Allan McGregor, 40 next season, is irreplaceable between the sticks. His stewardship has brought back stability guiding the Bears to defend narrow leads in close encounters.
The heroics of Nathan Patterson deserve plaudits, particularly for his tenacity and determination in the aftermath of being suspended for breaching COVID protocols. Skipper James Tavernier is closing in on a return from his injury, but the midweek tie would come too soon for the Englishman. The 19-year-old academy prodigy must get the nod from the start ahead of Leon Balogun who is also facing fitness issues since being subbed at half-time against Antwerp. Ever-present Connor Goldson should keep hold of his central defensive role alongside Filip Helander unless Balogun recovers in time and gets reintegrated in his usual slot. Borna Barisic is in exquisite form and his overlapping runs would create problems in Livi backline.
Midfield
Despite being in his mid-thirties, Steven Davis is still playing an anchor role in the centre of the pitch. Ryan Jack is ruled out for a couple of weeks, but the presence of Joe Aribo and Glen Kamara would form a balanced and composed midfield. Fit-again Scott Arfield should play his part at some stage of the game.
Attack
Rangers have got depth as well as quality in the attacking third, but the injury of Kemar Roofe limits their flexibility to some extent. Having said that, Ryan Kent is in a sublime form down the left-hand flank whereas the flair of Ianis Hagi would inject more firepower high up the pitch. Alfredo Morelos must spearhead the attack having earned accolades for his sportsmanship against Antwerp on Thursday night.
