It was a late heartbreak for Rangers in the Old Firm derby when a late equalizer from the Hoops spoiled their party. They are still nine-point behind the Hoops in the Premiership standings, but gaffer Michael Beale must push his men for all three points on Sunday afternoon against Dundee United at Tannadice Park.
On the other hand, the Tangerines are fighting back after a dreadful run of results before the World Cup break. Back-to-back wins against St. Johnstone and Ross County should help them put on a show versus the Glasgow giants.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Dundee United
Defence
Allan McGregor, in his 40s, continues to be the Gers ‘number 1’ ahead of fellow countrymen Jon McLaughlin and Robby McCrorie. He is expected to keep his place between the sticks for the upcoming outing.
Despite being a right fullback, skipper James Tavernier achieved 100 career goals versus the Bhoys. He must maintain his expertise with overlapping runs, crosses, cut insides and set-piece traits, also the manager would expect a similar impact from Borna Barisic down the left. Connor Goldson and Ben Davies should feature as the central defensive pairing ahead of Leon King and James Sands. John Souttar, Filip Helander and Ridvan Yilmaz are still recovering from their injury woes.
Midfield
Beale relied on Glen Kamara against the Celts but should bank on a more industrious midfield consisting of Ryan Jack and John Lundstram. They must pull the strings as the ‘double pivot’ with box-to-box movements along with marshalling the ‘back four’. Steven Davis is ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a serious knee problem, but the likes of Kamara, Sands and Scott Arfield could be deployed as second-half substitutes.
Tom Lawrence and Ianis Hagi are closing in on a return from their long injury layoff, but they must regain fitness before reclaiming the first-team status. Fashion Sakala is in incredible form, whereas Ryan Kent has revived his rhythm following Beale’s appointment as the Ibrox boss. He found the net against Celtic on Monday afternoon and his resurgence should boost the Light Blues for the remainder of the campaign. Malik Tillman has stepped in expertly as a ‘number 10’ and his creative spark is likely to trouble their weekend’s opponent.
Attack
Alfredo Morelos had a disappointing Old Firm derby and the return of Antonio Colak might see the Colombian making way for the Croatian ‘number 9’. Morelos, as well as Kemar Roofe, could get involved at some stage late in the contest.
