The enthralling 3-1 win over NK Maribor on Thursday night has made Rangers a jubilant and resurgent force who are now set to shake off last week’s disappointment of a late heartbreak against Aberdeen.
Steven Gerrard, the Light Blues boss, saw his side earning a lead despite being down to ten men in the early minutes against the Dons at Pittodrie, but an injury-time equalizer from the hosts denied him a winning debut in Scottish football.
The Liverpool legend, however, is delighted with the fighting spirit shown by his team and has rightfully chosen to look at the positives thus far.
Gerrard is restructuring the squad by tying down multiple new faces and also removing the deadwood to make his squad compact and more efficient.
An enthusiastic European run is exhibiting early indications of a successful season after years of misery, but the team must start winning the league encounters in order to ensure an upsurge and reclaim their tag as the title contenders.
Team News
Rangers allowed left-back Declan John and attacker Josh Windass to leave for Swansea City and Wigan Athletic respectively on the English deadline day.
They are set to miss the central midfield trio of Graham Dorrans, Jordan Rossiter and Ryan Jack who are out with knee injury, calf strain and concussion respectively whereas veteran left-back Lee Wallace, who doesn’t seem to be in the manager’s plans as of now, is still not available for selection due to lack of match fitness.
Predicted Rangers Lineup vs St. Mirren (4-3-3)
Defence
Veteran Allan McGregor is providing enough reliability between the sticks since his return and has found a stable backline in front of him which is protecting the goal with great efficiency. Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic have built a resilient central defensive partnership and are likely to continue their majestic form against the Saints.
Skipper James Tavernier, who has now scored from the spot in the last two encounters, will like to operate in his usual right-back role whereas the fans might get to see the debut of Croatian international Borna Barisic who has been roped in from Osijek earlier this week and is tipped to replace Jon Flanagan in the left-back slot.
Midfield
A couple of injuries has left Gerrard with limited options to deploy in the middle of the park. The aftermath of the midweek tie might see him resting Ovie Ejaria and lining up Ross McCrorie along with Lassana Coulibaly who was the standout player against Maribor with his late goal and tireless box to box runs.
Former Burnley star Scott Arfield has been handed a free role in midfield as the Canadian is mostly orchestrating attacking movements high up the pitch linking up with the front trio.
Attack
Alfredo Morelos‘ red card against Aberdeen has been rescinded and the forward’s scintillating show against Maribor will have Gerrard purring. The Colombian not only earned an early lead but also won the spot-kick minutes into the second half that helped the Gers to restore their lead via Tavernier’s calm and composed finish.
Jamie Murphy made an instant impact against the Slovenians after coming on as a late substitute and should get the nod over Ryan Kent on the left wing. Daniel Candeias, hailed for his work ethic, is likely to retain his place on the opposite flank.
