Rangers must shake off their League Cup final disappointment and regroup themselves for the upcoming Kilmarnock contest. Fighting for their lives to escape relegation, Killie would step up their game under Derek McInnes on Saturday afternoon. The Light Blues are outright favourites to secure all three points at Ibrox, but the Scottish boss often troubled them in the recent past during his managerial years at Aberdeen.
Rangers were lucky to grab an edgy 3-2 win when they locked horns with ten-man Kilmarnock at Rugby Park earlier this year. Michael Beale would demand a comfortable outcome this time around, but he might find it tricky unless his men overcome the fatigue following Sunday’s heartbreak against bitter rivals Celtic.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Kilmarnock
Defence
Allan McGregor, 41, is in better shape compared to fellow compatriot Jon McLaughlin. Robby McCrorie does not feature in Beale’s plan and the gaffer, therefore, should stick with the veteran Scotsman until a long-term solution is explored in the summer window.
Skipper James Tavernier must uplift the team spirit with his energetic runs, crosses, cut-insides and set-piece attributes. James Sands has returned to his parent club New York City FC, whereas injuries to Filip Helander and John Souttar should see Connor Goldson and Ben Davies continuing as the prime central defensive pairing. Borna Barisic must keep his place down the left and balance his game between attack and defence.
Midfield
Despite returning to action at Hampden Park, John Lundstram failed to dominate the midfield game during the Old Firm clash. However, the Englishman should retain his place and work on regaining the match fitness alongside Nicolas Raskin. Glen Kamara, dreadful last weekend as a deep-lying playmaker, should be dropped in favour of the winter recruit. Ryan Jack and Scott Arfield could be introduced at some point in the second half to inject fresh legs and directness in the middle of the park.
Malik Tillman failed to make a difference against the Hoops, but he remains the most creative outlet with his movements and link-up play as a ‘number 10’. Fashion Sakala has shown his spark from the right, also the pace, flair and dribbling skills of Ryan Kent might cause menace in the Killie backline. The likes of Scott Wright, Ianis Hagi and Todd Cantwell should stay patient and wait for their opportunities as substitutes.
Attack
Alfredo Morelos has reclaimed the starting status and should keep on spearheading the attack over Antonio Colak. Kemar Roofe remains a fitness doubt after missing the derby on Sunday evening.
