Rangers will begin their Scottish Premiership campaign on Sunday when they take on Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.
Kilmarnock surprised quite a few fans and pundits alike with their consistency last season as they finished second, and Steven Gerrard’s side will be up against a raucous crowd come Sunday. Killie aren’t in good form, though, as they were dumped out of the Europa League by Connah’s Quay in July.
The Gers picked up an uninspiring 0-0 draw against Progres in the Europa League to make it to the next round of qualifying, and will want to start on a winning note in the Premiership.
The pressure is immediately on Gerrard and his side as arch-rivals Celtic picked up a 7-0 win against hapless St. Johnstone earlier today, and have already started setting the pace.
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Gerrard will be without goalkeeper Allan McGregor as the veteran is suspended for one more game. Midfielder Steven Davies has a tight hamstring, and it’s unlikely he will feature either.
Predicted Rangers Lineup vs Kilmarnock
Defence
Wes Foderingham should line up in goal in McGregor’s absence. Connor Goldson is a sure-shot starter, and we might see Nikola Katic keep his place in the starting lineup. The two are likely to be the Gers’ preferred centre-back pairing this season.
In the full-back areas, Borna Barisic and James Tavernier seem like the best options at the moment. The duo are good at making the forward forays, and will be key against a Kilmarnock side that might revert to a more defensive approach against the Gers.
Midfield
With Davis unlikely to be risked, Glen Kamara might feature as the deepest midfielder, and he is likely to form a three-man midfield. Ryan Jack didn’t play in the Europa League qualifier, but might return in place of Andy Halliday.
Joe Aribo played in both legs against Progres, and might keep his place in midfield. He was on the scoresheet in the first leg win against the team from Luxembourg.
Attack
Alfredo Morelos didn’t play on Thursday, and he is in line to start upfront. On the wings, Gerrard could prefer the duo of Sheyi Ojo and Scott Arfield.
