Rangers head to Paisley tomorrow for a crucial early-season clash with St Mirren, a fixture already being framed as a must-win for Russell Martin.
Squad availability will shape the selection, with Dujon Sterling and Rabbi Matondo sidelined, Cyriel Dessers a doubt, and Nasser Djiga suspended following last week’s red card against Dundee.
Martin also confirmed that Hamza Igamane isn’t quite ready to start after a disrupted pre-season, which has seen injury setbacks, late international duty, and Ligue 1 transfer links slow his return to full fitness. “He won't be far off but not quite ready to start yet,” the new head coach said.
With personnel limitations in attack, Rangers are likely to stick largely to a tried-and-tested setup, though tomorrow could also see new faces given opportunities to stake their claim in the Ibrox side.
Her is how the Inside Ibrox team think Rangers will line up at the SMiSA Stadium.
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Jack Cranmer
Butland; Aarons, Tavernier, Souttar, Meghome; Raskin, Cameron, Aasgaard; Moore, Gassama, Danilo
I can see James Tavernier coming into the centre of defence for the suspended Djiga, he played there in pre-season and I don’t think Martin fully trusts Emmanuel Fernandez as of yet.
Lyall Cameron and Thelo Aasgaard should come in for Joe Rothwell and Mohammed Diomande, who were both very poor on Tuesday night.
Danilo is only first team striker available so will start, Djeidi Gassama is the first name on the team sheet out wide, would expect Mikey Moore to replace Oliver Antman who was also underwhelming during the week.
Would like to see Bajrami get minutes from the bench as he impressed in cameo vs Motherwell and in Premier Sports Cup clash against Alloa.
Bryan Watson
Butland; Aarons, Souttar, Fernandez, Meghoma; Raskin, Aasgaard, Rothwell; Gassama, Antman, Danilo
I don't expect too much in the way of changes for this one.
Fernandez is set to slot in for the suspended Djiga, while I expect Aasgaard to make his first start, offering a fresh option in midfield.
David Marshall
Butland; Aarons, Souttar, Fernandez, Meghoma; Raskin, Aasgaard, Rothwell; Gassama, Antman, Danilo
I agree with Bryan for this week, think we keep it simple and hope to see the team gel and get back to winning ways. Would expect Moore to replace Antman later in the match.
Steven Wilson
Butland; Aarons, Souttar, Fernandez, Meghoma; Raskin, Aasgaard, Rothwell; Gassama, Moore, Danilo
I expect Moore to come in and start, he has been impressive in his fleeting performances so far. Fernandez is an easy replacement for Djiga and Aasgaard should replace the disappointing Diomande in the middle.