There is literally no breathing time for Rangers football club who clinched a thrilling midweek win against Aberdeen. They will now travel to Victoria Park and lock horns with Ross County on Friday night. New Gers boss Michael Beale has hailed his side’s mentality and the character following successive comebacks versus Hibernian and the Dons. However, he must demand a commanding victory against the Staggies who are struggling at the wrong end of the Premiership standings.
It was a stroll in the park for the Light Blues who registered a thumping 4-0 win in the reverse tie early into the season. Meanwhile, Ross County are now battling for survival under Malky Mackay and it is high time the players put up a fight, particularly after a late heartbreak against St. Johnstone on Saturday afternoon.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Ross County
Defence
Beale still relies on Allan McGregor who is at the twilight of his career. The 41-year-old custodian is undergoing a mixed run so far this term but is expected to retain his starting status ahead of fellow compatriots Jon McLaughlin and Robby McCrorie.
Skipper James Tavernier is an assured starter for his marauding runs down the right-hand flank. Adam Devine has impressed as a left fullback amid the absence of both Borna Barisic and Ridvan Yilmaz. Connor Goldson is back in business overcoming a fitness woe, but the gaffer should deploy Ben Davies as his partner given the ongoing vulnerability in the defensive third. Versatile James Sands could be involved at some stage as a substitute.
Midfield
Rangers have ample options in the middle of the park and the manager must rotate them to avoid injury setbacks. John Lundstram should return to the starting XI and partner with Glen Kamara deep down the midfield. Ryan Jack should be rested for this away trip, whereas veteran Scott Arfield must once again feature as a ‘super sub’ following his injury time brace versus Aberdeen.
Fashion Sakala has been majestic under the new chief with goals in back-to-back games. He must keep his place on the right, also the creative spark of Malik Tillman is helping in attacking transitions and producing goal-scoring opportunities. Ryan Kent is likely to cause menace in the Staggies’ defence from the left-hand flank.
Attack
Alfredo Morelos should spearhead the attack once more with both Antonio Colak and Kemar Roofe nursing their respective injury problems. Beale, however, expects them to recover before Wednesday’s Motherwell game.
