Michael Beale is yet to lose a game since taking charge of the famous Glasgow Rangers during the winter break. The players are showing sheer grit and determination to grind out results over the past few weeks and the same must be replicated on Saturday afternoon when they would lock horns with St Johnstone at Ibrox.
The Gers defeated the Saints a week ago in the Scottish Cup 4th Round fixture. It was again an edgy encounter at McDiarmid Park and the upcoming contest won’t be a cakewalk either. Callum Davidson’s men are undergoing a losing streak, but they have already defeated Rangers in the reverse tie. Celtic have maintained a nine-point cushion for quite some time and the Light Blues must secure all three points to keep the league race alive.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face St Johnstone
Defence
41-year-old Allan McGregor is way past his prime but has still retained the ‘number 1’ status between the sticks. Jon McLaughlin has also been involved sporadically, but the Scotsman might once again find his place among the substitutes similar to the previous meeting.
Skipper James Tavernier is irreplaceable down the right for his leadership traits and attacking expertise. Borna Barisic has often been criticized for his defensive frailty, but the left fullback scored spectacularly on the road to make all the difference in their narrow victory versus the Saints. Connor Goldson and Ben Davies should continue as the first-choice central defensive pairing amid long-term injuries to John Souttar and Filip Helander. Teenage sensation Leon King and the versatile James Sands could be introduced at a later stage if need be.
Midfield
Ryan Jack has overcome his fitness woes and delivered some majestic performances deep down the midfield. He is expected to form a double pivot alongside Jon McLaughlin. With Steven Davis ruled out for the rest of the campaign, Glen Kamara remains the only other ‘number 6’ option until the club completes the Nicolas Raskin deal.
Fashion Sakala has been exquisite with his pace and flair from the right-hand flank. Ryan Kent, too, has revived his form under Beale, and the Englishman must keep on causing menace in the opponents’ defence with his dribbles and directness down the left. Malik Tillman should retain his ‘number 10’ status, however, the manager might deploy the exciting winter signing Todd Cantwell as a ‘super sub’. Scott Wright and Scott Arfield could also feature as second-half substitutes.
Attack
Antonio Colak should spearhead the attack after a few irregular appearances since returning from his injury. In-form Alfredo Morelos might replace him around the hour mark, but the nightmare continues for Kemar Roofe who is sidelined for weeks following an injury misfortune sustained against Aberdeen.
