Mor elos and Davis tipped to s tar t agains t St Mirren
Our writers predict their starting XIs
RANGERS play their final game before the World Cup break today with anything other than maximum points unthinkable for Giovanni van Bronckhorst and his squad.
Having lost out last time round at St Johnstone, the manager needs a result to follow up the midweek win against Hearts. And after news emerged at his press conference that Antonio Colak will miss the game through injury, the Ibrox side will need to get three points without their top scorer.
Our writers have their say on who should start below.
Joshua Barrie
The team put out in midweek following Sunday’s loss outlines the limited resources van Bronckhorst has to work with at present. With that being said, the product wasn’t glowing before losing numerous first- team fixtures.
The back four will remain unchanged through necessity as much as anything. And given James Sands wasn’t ruled out by the manager having been taken off in midweek, he will play ahead of them. John Lundstram and Malik Tillman could complete the midfield. Ryan Kent recovered some form in midweek against Hearts while Alfredo Morelos is a certainty given Colak’s injury. But what of the right- wing?
Scott Wright made a good impression from the bench on Wednesday so is likely to play over Rabbi Matondo. With Fashion Sakala still out through injury, the right- wing roulette continues. Predicted XI: McGregor, Tavernier, King, Davies, Barisic, Sands, Lundstram, Tillman, Wright, Morelos, Kent
Graeme Hanna
Another game, another injury. This time Colak is ruled out with a direct replacement coming in the form of Morelos.
The Colombian striker should benefit from a full game but unfortunately for him, there will be no chance to build momentum with the break just around the corner. Colak’s injury means there will be no other options up front considering that Kemar Roofe and Sakala are also in the treatment room.
Wright’s late impact on Wednesday night against Hearts should see him start in Paisley in place of the out- ofsorts Matondo.
The rest of the team will more or less be unchanged, especially given the threadbare nature of the squad at that moment.
One possible alteration could see Steven Davis coming in for Sands, depending on the condition of the US international after his knock picked up during the week. Dependable Davis can get the ball forward early with an eye for a pass as Rangers seek to break down what will likely be a dogged, determined St Mirren side.
Predicted XI: McGregor, Tavernier, King, Davies, Barisic, Davis, Lundstram, Tillman, Wright, Kent, Morelos.
The Columbian striker should benefit from a full game