Dujon Sterling has been tipped to miss Rangers' trip to Falkirk, with former Ibrox forward Greg Stewart suggesting the defender will not feature against the Bairns.
The Rangers squad has been significantly refreshed during the summer, meaning McInnes has several players competing for places as the campaign develops.
Among those pushing for opportunities are Ross McCrorie and Kosta Nedeljkovic, both of whom arrived at Ibrox during the summer and could use the Falkirk fixture to stake their claim for a regular starting berth.
Stewart backs new Rangers arrivals to handle Falkirk test
Speaking alongside Ian Durrant on the 5 Stars Podcast, Stewart acknowledged that the artificial surface and the different nature of the Falkirk side could make the fixture challenging for Rangers' new arrivals.
“Astro turf as well, it always comes into play. So, it'll be interesting to see how the new boys, that are not used to it, take to it,” Stewart said “I don't think Sterling will play well because of that.”
His comments add a layer of interest to McInnes' team selection, with Rangers possessing alternatives who will be eager to take advantage if Sterling is left out.
McCrorie and Nedeljkovic pushing for starts
The potential absence of Sterling could open the door for one of Rangers' summer additions to make a stronger claim for regular first-team football.
McCrorie returned to Rangers during the summer after previously leaving the club, bringing Premiership experience and versatility to McInnes' squad but has been poor in his limited minutes so far.
Nedeljkovic, meanwhile, arrived on loan from Aston Villa and represents another option for the Rangers boss as he continues to settle his preferred defensive combinations.
A start at Falkirk would provide either player with an opportunity to impress and potentially force their way further into McInnes' plans.
That competition is particularly important with Rangers having added considerable depth across the squad during the summer window.
Durrant expects McInnes to resist major changes
Durrant does not expect McInnes to make wholesale alterations following Rangers' recent performance.
“I don't think he'll tinker too much, I think. After that result and how well they played, and how well they battled,” he said.
“They all like to play a brand of football, which I think will suit Rangers. They always like to be on the front foot, they knock it about.
“I'm sure Rangers now, if they're on their A game, they can pick them off.”
Falkirk's artificial pitch remains an unusual factor in the fixture, with the club having been granted a grace period to replace the surface after winning promotion to the Premiership the season before last.
They are the only top flight Scottish team to still have an astro pitch after Kilmarnock switched to grass and Livingston’s relegation.
If Stewart is correct about Sterling's involvement, McCrorie or Nedeljkovic could have a particularly valuable opportunity to make an early impression on McInnes.
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