A 2-0 Thursday night win against Brondby must have uplifted the spirit in the Rangers camp ahead of travelling to Paisley to lock horns with St Mirren on Sunday. This early kickoff fixture is crucial for the Gers in order to retain the top of the table status over Hearts. The Jambos remain the only unbeaten Premiership side as they grabbed a 90th-minute equalizer last weekend at Ibrox.
The Saints, meanwhile, are enjoying an incredible run since suffering a 6-0 defeat against Celtic a couple of months back. They have not lost a game in the aftermath of the Parkhead humiliation and are currently on a three-game winning streak prior to hosting the reigning champions. Rangers, therefore, must not expect a stroll in the park when these two sides would clash heads at Paisley 2021 Stadium.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face St Mirren
Defence
Allan McGregor seems to have cemented his ‘number 1’ role after initial rotation with fellow countryman Jon McLaughlin. The veteran Scotsman made a howler against Hearts but earned a cleansheet in their midweek Europa League encounter. He is expected to retain his place between the sticks.
Leon Balogun headed home versus Brondby to break the deadlock but was forced to leave the pitch with an injury just over the hour mark. Steven Gerrard might undergo a selection dilemma while choosing Connor Goldson’s central defensive partner amid the absence of Filip Helander. Jack Simpson has not impressed enough in limited minutes, and therefore, might lose his place to Calvin Bassey at the heart of the backline. The gaffer must opt for experience down the wide with skipper James Tavernier and left fullback Borna Barisic likely to keep hold of their first-team status.
Midfield
John Lundstram has recovered from a dreadful start and cemented his place in the middle of the park. Glen Kamara missed the European outing due to suspension but is likely to reclaim his place on Sunday afternoon. Steven Davis would make way for the Finnish midfield maestro. The flexibility of the pair would allow the Light Blues to tweak formations and attune to tactical alterations.
Ianis Hagi adds flair and finesse from the right, whereas the pace and lively runs of Scott Wright might cause menace in the hosts’ defensive line. Joe Aribo should operate as an attacking playmaker or ‘number 10’ but might get shifted to a more central role alongside Kamara and Lundstram to form a three-man midfield at times. Juninho Bacuna and Scott Arfield would offer the much-needed cover at the centre of the pitch.
Attack
After a dreadful display against Hearts, Alfredo Morelos was back to his best against Brondby. Although Kemar Roofe made it to the scoresheet in the 2-0 win, the Colombian must get the nod to spearhead the attack versus Jim Goodwin’s men. Roofe, as well as Fashion Sakala, might make a difference as ‘super subs’ late in the contest.
